SystemCraft are often asked to fix computer networks after a period of instability, which can result from a number of factors including hardware and cabling, software and configuration errors, or simple user errors.
Our network audit service comprises the following tasks:

Examining and testing the network cabling -This may also require a cabling diagram in more complex cases, aiding fault finding and allowing for easier planning and expansion. Our cable testing equipment can test and certify Ethernet (coax or 10Base2, 10BaseT, 10Base5 and 100BaseT), Arcnet and Token-ring cable. We also have the ability to test for noise and interference from the surrounding environment.

Identifying the network cards in use, including the hardware settings for each card and the network software drivers used on each PC. This will often highlight an unprofessional installation and potential hardware and software conflicts

Network software installation and configuration, making sure that the network software has been correctly installed, is complete, and has been upgraded with any "service pack" or recent fix for any particular known problem. Also, network settings will be reviewed to ensure that the network has sufficient capacity for the number of users and the type of applications in use.

Workstation configuration - DOS and Windows configuration will be examined to ensure that these operating systems are properly installed, provide for adequate memory to run the user applications, and are consistent with the network in use.

Virus testing - We will test the network for known viruses, especially if the symptoms described to us indicate any possibility of a virus infection.

Hardware testing - In many cases, a network will experience problems simply because a PC, such as the fileserver, is suffering from an intermittent hardware fault which can be difficult to track down. We have sophisticated diagnostic equipment and software for testing all components of the hardware. This may, however, require very thorough off-site testing in our workshop.

Application installation - We will review the installation of applications such as databases and accounting packages, etc, to determine if these have been installed according to the software company's recommendations.

User training and procedures - We will discuss operating procedures and practices with network administrators and other users to determine the nature and scope of any problems, as well as what steps are normally taken to overcome these problems. We will also examine what backup systems are in place.
It is our experience that properly trained staff can quickly identify the nature of many problems and rectify the simple ones without the need for support calls, as well as alleviating costly repairs and downtime when a small problem grows into a larger one.

Documentation/Reporting - During the inspection we will make notes about our findings, which will form the basis of a report. The report will describe what we found and provide a list of recommendations (if we believe the network can be improved). If requested, we will also provide a quote to carry out the recommendations.