Keep Records

It is recommended that you record all hardware and software details in a notebook. If possible, note the order in which you set up the software, and list the software operating system and all of the software applications that are installed on the computer. When identifying your system, consider the following details:

• Number of CPUs.
• Processor class and speed of each CPU.
• Amount of RAM on each computer.
• Amount of hard disk drive space on each computer.
• Operating system, including versions and any service pack installations, hotfixes, or driver updates on each computer.
• Brand and model name of each computer.
• All software loaded on each computer.

Careful record keeping is essential to successful troubleshooting. Make sure to maintain records of your network layout, cabling, previous problems and their solutions, dates of installation of hardware and software, and so on, and keep them readily accessible.

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