Free Tip #9:
Use A Utility PC for Testing, Downloading & Virus Remediation
If you use download sites, test software, or perform
occasional
in-house repairs, consider keeping an extra "utility" PC on hand. Using a utilitiy PC will keep
your regular machines uncluttered and reduce their exposure to viruses. It may also save you hundreds of dollars in the event that
a virus or other issue threatens your data.
3 Reasons To Use an Utility PC
Viruses. If anyone in your office uses popular download sites (BitTorrent, Limewire, Morpheous, Kazaa, BearShare and eMule, etc.), you have an excellent chance of downloading viruses.
On average, 30% of the files we've download via eMule, Limewire and BitTorrent carried malware. You don't want to use your daily work machines in a game with these odds.
Clutter & Confusion. Suppose you want to try some free software from NoNags.com. You have several top-rated products to choose from. You download and test four programs and choose one: the others should never make it to your regular PC.
Clutter creates problems for tech support and confusion for users. Any program can contain bugs or generate conflicts with Windows and other software. In general, less is better. Don't load what you don't need and remove what you don't use.
Virus Remediation. When all else fails, the best and safest way to disinfect a hard drive is to use a utility PC and a usb-to-hard drive connector. (
Click to learn more.)
What Kind of PC should You Use?
Good. An old desktop or laptop is perfect for this purpose. Try to use a Pentium 4 2.6Ghz or better running Windows XP Pro service pack 3.
Better. A Desktop or Laptop with the same operating system software used by most machines in your office. If you have newer machines running a version of Windows Vista Business, load Vista on
your spare. Also load the same office programs - Word, Excel, Outlook, Etc (don't buy extra licenses to do this).
Best. Use the same exact PC most commonly used in your office. That means when you're buying new machines, buy a spare. Keep it loaded with the same software others use. This setup will more likely show software conflicts and other issues. It will also help you get better tests on new gadgets like
USB SIP phones, card scanners, etc.
Don't Bury Your Utility PC.
Keep your utility PC someplace where you can get to it easily - on a desk rather than under it or behind it. You're more likely to open this PC up or connect it to other devices.
Get The Most Out Of Your Utility PC
If you use your utility PC for disk operations (formatting drives) or virus remediation, keep some spare parts around. We specifically recommend USB-to-IDE & SATA Hard Drive adapters.
See our
spare parts page for more.
Spread The Word: Set Download and Testing Policies
If you go through the trouble of setting up a utility PC, make sure you're employees know about it. Tell them to download and test using the utility PC, then transfer the stuff they want via the network or a USB flash drive.
Antivirus Software For Your Utility PC.
Keep this PC up-to-date with the best antivirus software available.
(Learn More)
Reduce Risk To Your Network: Give Your Spare A Static IP Address.
Sorry for the jargon. Generally, viruses don't automatically hop around your network from computer to computer: they have to be transferred.
Some viruses piggyback on other files and will be transferred when files are copied or moved from one computer to another.
But that's changing.
Most networks are set up to automatically add new computers (a setup called DHCP). There are new viruses that will self-replicate DHCP networks. You have the option of setting a static IP address for any (or all) computers on your network. Set one for your utility PC if you know how.
Follow this link if you need instructions.
