The Top 10 Tech Mistakes Small Businesses Make: Part 1

Published on: May 28th, 2015

Small businesses typically focus on researching, understanding and managing elements related to their businesses. That’s good business sense, after all.  But too few have time to monitor the constant changes in the information technology industry that impact their business.

These changes can include updates to Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, proprietary business software, critical business applications, printing technologies, web-based tools, email services and a myriad of other technology concerns.

Computer support companies like Computer Troubleshooters can help you through the big issues with our professional services, and can also give you a basic awareness of how to avoid small business tech mistakes here in our blog posts.

Let’s dive in with…

Mistake #1: Weak Security

Increased threats from malicious software and viruses are a daily reality for all PC users, and security is of paramount concern. New vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system are identified almost weekly, and the same is true of other software products and hardware devices. Without up-to-date security applications, firmware updates and operating system patches, your small business is vulnerable to attack.

Most small businesses are unfamiliar with the steps they need to take to properly protect their systems and data against these attacks. Computer Troubleshooters can assist your organization in locking down its network, securing its systems and hardening every aspect of its technology operations.

Mistake #2: Old, Cheap or Inconsistent Hardware

Old and cheap hardware is much more likely to experience frequent problems, failures and downtime and that prove more difficult for technicians to properly service.  Also, inconsistent hardware (such as when each staff member is using a different model PC with different hardware components and software applications) slows technicians down when diagnosing problems.   Over time, these issues add up to a support and repair cost that exceeds the price of replacing your old hardware with new units.

Developing a solid hardware replacement plan can help ensure your organization maximizes its IT investment. Darin Stahl, a lead analyst with Info-Tech Research Group, writes, “When you look at costs—particularly around a four- to six-year lifecycle—it may seem like you are saving money, but really it’s costing you, because you are going to increase your support.

Mistake #3: Inadequate Power Protection

Power protection is an issue that receives little attention but can make a very big difference.  Small but consistent power surges (spikes) and drops (brownouts) dramatically reduce any technology device’s lifespan and affect most businesses at some point in time.  Surges and brownouts are is especially troublesome for computers, printers and other peripherals, all of which are essential basic business functions.

Mistake #4: Illegal Software

Businesses typically buy software licenses that are limited to one computer and cannot legally be moved to another PC.  Also common is the use of “borrowed” software obtained from an employee’s home computer or a friend. This includes countless copies of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows, the staple programs of any business, and Microsoft Office Student & Teacher Edition, which cannot be legally installed in any business. With a professional technology consultant’s assistance, small businesses can receive expert help ensuring they properly license software for each and every PC.

Mistake #5: Inadequate Training

Training is a significant issue for small businesses. This is particularly true for organizations that don’t possess their own training department and thus struggle to maximize software programs, applications and technology capabilities. It is estimated that most office workers understand less than 20% of the available features in the software packages they use. This causes significant inefficiencies as processes and tasks that could be completed in seconds using the automatic features of software programs are performed manually instead.

Part 2 of this series will continue with tech mistakes 6 through 10.  Stay tuned to see if your small business is making any of these common mistakes.