Hardware considerations

• Set up the computers in a place where they will not be bumped or moved at any time. If possible, they should be in a room by themselves, with little or no foot traffic. If workstations are used for data storage, at least place them on stable furniture and leave no cables exposed to traffic.

• Keep the computer room cool and give each machine excellent ventilation. Keep all machines away from walls and, if possible, provide a separate air conditioner for the computer room, with more-than-adequate cooling capability.

• Install a Halon^® fire extinguishing system in the computer room rather than sprinklers.

• Store backup media in a separate room from the computers. This room should be fireproof, or and/or have a Halon fire extinguishing system (rather than a sprinkler system).

• Ensure that there is adequate and uninterrupted power for the computers (or at least surge protection). Installing an uninterruptible power source (UPS) will prevent system crashes caused by small electrical failures and may provide enough power for an orderly shutdown following major electrical failures. This is especially important if your building frequently suffers power glitches or if you live in an area that is subject to frequent major storms. The computers should also be on an isolated, fully grounded (earthed) circuit.

• If you install a local area network, plan the cabling and location of all machines and peripherals carefully. Seek the assistance of a networking expert to make these plans. Good planning and the use of adequate connecting media and compatible hardware are essential for long-term network performance.

• If you need leased lines for off-site connections, arrange for these with your local telephone company.

• If you plan to connect a printer to a parallel port, locate it close to the machine running it. Keep the machine out of the path of traffic to and from the printer.

• If you connect terminals, printers, or other peripherals to serial ports, consider using phone-line cabling and switching hardware, especially if your system is expected to grow in size and complexity. You can readily adapt phone lines for serial hardware, and telephone connecting and switching technology is mature and flexible.