As an IT technician, you will be asked to test new hardware or software. Where to start?
A good practice is to start by reading the documentation. It can seem time-consuming and annoying, but it's helpful to know at least the basics before you start – for example the prerequisites, known problems, and basic usage instructions. Read them carefully.
Make sure it is compatible with the system you are using, and the other software applications you rely on.
Ensure that you comply with the prerequisites, whether hardware or software.
It is always advisable to set up a testing environment to isolate what you are testing from your primary system. This allows you to experiment and troubleshoot without risking your data or existing configurations.
For software
- Install it with an administrator profile but make sure that it runs well under a limited user account.
- During the installation process, follow the instructions carefully. Do not just click next, next, next… Pay attention to the configuration options during setup – sometimes you must unselect the installation of additional unneeded software.
Make any necessary customizations. - Test all features and functionalities of the software to ensure it meets your needs. Check for any bugs, glitches, or unexpected behavior.
- If you need to import or export data, test these processes thoroughly to prevent data loss or corruption.
- Check that you get the desired performance, and that it meets the expectations.
- If the software will be used by other IT staff or end users, take notes during your test, so you can provide training or documentation to ensure everyone can use it effectively.
- Always keep in mind the security aspect. Is the new software secure?
If you know it will be used for managing sensitive information, read the privacy policy carefully. Consider some questions, like:
- Is it maintained?
- Which company produced the software?
Do they have a good or bad reputation for security?
This is especially important if the software is accessed online ("Software as a Service") rather than installed on an individual computer. - Where is the data stored?
- Is the access secured, for example does it offer 2SV authentication?
- Could the data be backed up? Integrate the backup steps in your routine and how to restore in your recovery plan.
- When you decide to roll out the software, be sensitive to user feedback. Their input can help identify usability issues and areas for improvement.
For hardware
- Is it still maintained by the manufacturer?
- How often do they release firmware upgrades?
- Can you back up the configuration?