Top 10 tips for a problem free network
	Protect your network from viruses. Ensure every PC and server has virus protection software installed and that it is automatically updated every day. Make sure that the product you use will work with email-borne viruses, since most viruses spread via email. Don't open suspicious attachments and don't act on virus hoaxes received from well-meaning friends.
	Protect your network from hackers. Get a proper firewall and make sure it is configured correctly to keep threats from the Internet out. Don't assume that no one will be interested in probing your company's network.
		Stop spam email from wasting your time. Never give your main email address on any web site you don't trust 100%. Get a web email address, like Hotmail, for this sort of use. Anyone asking for your email address wants it for something specific – don’t give it out carelessly. Don't assume that "unsubscribing" will work; often this only confirms that your address is live. If spam is a major problem at your company, software is available to filter it out before it gets to your inbox.
			Get an ADSL broadband Internet connection. It is usually more economical for any business to use ADSL broadband than a modem or ISDN connection. It is better in terms of actual cost and time saved when you need to use the Internet.
	Use quality hardware for your main server. Some companies try to save money by using a glorified PC instead. A real server will outperform and outlast a PC used as a server. At the very least make sure there is some kind of hard disk redundancy, like "mirroring" in place.
	Back up your data regularly and keep the backup off site. If possible a full backup should be done daily. Backing up your data to a secure location via the Internet is a great way to ensure you can recover data in the event of a problem.
	Keep things simple. Don’t clog up your PC with games, pictures, music, downloaded programs or other non-critical stuff. The more items installed on your computer, the more likely it is that conflicts will occur and make the computer unstable when you really need it. In general the plainer the configuration, the less there is to go wrong. Even patches and updates to programs should be treated with caution.
		Use Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 if your company is not going to grow to more that 50 staff in the next three years. SBS contains just about all you need for a small network at excellent value.
	Don't use software illegally. Make sure that you have a license for every piece of software you use. You could be the subject of an audit by the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) at any time. Prosecution for using unlicensed software can mean jail.
		Use a professional IT support company for those times when problems arise or you need to upgrade your systems. A helpful neighbour won't have anywhere near the same experience in dealing with every kind of IT issue day in day out.