Technology changes gradually. Staff come and go, computers age, subscriptions accumulate and network equipment keeps running until somebody checks it. An annual IT health check is a practical way to find issues before they become urgent.
Computers and operating systems
Review the age, warranty status and operating system of each computer. Identify devices that are slow, unreliable or approaching the end of support so replacement can be planned rather than rushed.
Microsoft 365 users and licences
Check active users, licences, administrator accounts, shared mailboxes, forwarding, MFA and external sharing. Remove access that is no longer required.
Backups and restore tests
Confirm what is being backed up, how long backups are retained and when a restore was last tested. Include Microsoft 365, servers, NAS devices and important local data.
Cyber security basics
Check software updates, endpoint protection, MFA, administrator privileges and any old accounts. Review whether staff are using unsupported software or devices.
Internet and WiFi
Repeated dropouts, dead spots or slow performance should not become accepted as normal. Review the router, switches, access points and internet service and determine whether the issue is NBN, WiFi, cabling or local hardware.
Network and data cabinet
Check that switches, patch panels and cabling are labelled and that the cabinet is tidy enough to troubleshoot. Replace failed fans, damaged patch leads and unsupported network hardware where necessary.
Domains, DNS and website access
Confirm the business controls its domain registration, DNS, website hosting and recovery details. These accounts are often forgotten until a website or email change is urgently required.
Business continuity
Ask what would happen if the internet failed, Microsoft 365 became unavailable, a server stopped, a laptop was stolen or the office could not be accessed. The answers help identify where redundancy or documentation is missing.
Physical technology around the premises
Depending on the business, include CCTV, UPS units, printers, test-and-tag requirements, Starlink or backup internet, phone systems and any technology that affects day-to-day operations.
A health check can be performed as a one-off review or incorporated into Managed IT Services. The aim is a short, prioritised list of what is working, what needs attention and what can wait.
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