Start out the year right for your restaurant POS systems. Let’s talk about some of the most common and critical mistakes that are made in regard to some very simple and basic configuration aspects of the computer system. Some of these mistakes can cost restaurant owners hundreds or thousands of dollars of wasted time and money. Even worse than that… it can frustrate your customers and employees.

Whether you already have a computer system or you’re going to configure a new one yourself — you better make sure that everything is done accordingly for your own sake.

Please don’t let me be guilty of giving you the wrong idea. I don’t always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a professional do the work. But I’m sure some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those of you that insist on doing your own computer installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This can help avoid major problems, be aware on the proper installations and save hours of precious time.

So here are some simple retail computer system configuration checklist for a Windows network you could follow:

1) Using a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
One of the main causes of your electronic component failure is due to fluctuations in electricity (up and down). A good UPS can solve this problem by regulating the power. I would recommedn getting a good UPS for your server. And it’s a good idea to use them on all your workstations too.

2) Making Sure To Plug All Cables Into the UPS
Make sure all cables that power your computer and network are plugged into your UPS. You also need to check if the cables that are plugged into a surge protector or UPS are carrying the right amount of power. For example, the phone line for your modem can easily heat up and fry your computer if you do not plug it into a surge protector. So you better make sure that all cables are plugged properly. Your modem line, network cables, and power cords can cause serious damage if not plugged properly.

3) Passwords and Security
At the very least, I suggest locking down your server with a strong password on all Windows accounts so your employees and hackers have more difficulty messing with your server.

4) Install Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware Software and Configure For Automatic Updates
It is gravely important for you to make sure that these security tools are configured to updating automatically, so you would never forget.

5) Limiting Employee Internet Access
Employees that surf the internet can cause more problems than anything. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software does help but if an employee unwittingly downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can damage your system down. You may limit them by disabling internet browsing on their computer stations. Or another option is to protect internet access with a password.

For a restaurant, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from evil hands, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to enforce rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.

6) Configure Your Back Up To Run Every Night
In many situations, it’s best to configure your back up to run automatically after work hours. But you still need to remember to change your back up device (like tapes) daily.

7) The Importance of Testing Your Back Up Regularly
I have talked to a lot of people who think they have a good back up plan for restoring damaged files. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working for months or years. That’s why it is very important to test your back up at least once a month by restoring files so you would know that it your back up is working as expected. By the way, you should also remember o restore to an alternate file location so your existing software won’t be affected.

So please check your computer system now. If you don’t, you might regret it later. Have a happy and successful 2009!

With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.