Page 1

Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.

For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/
Version 1.0
February 4, 2010
Network, PC, and server audit checklist
By Erik Eckel
Introduction
Tracking client systems, software, security, backups, and network configurations is a complex process; worse, the
process is fraught with error. It's very easy to overlook simple but important issues when first meeting a client and
reviewing the client's technology infrastructure. Determining and logging technology weaknesses and
vulnerabilities that require attention, as well as tracking which recommendations have been provided to clients (in
writing, no less), are difficult tasks. This simple checklist can help.
Customize the template
The Word document is easily edited to meet any special needs your clients or office may have. Further, sample
notes are included within the Workstation 1, Notes and Recommendations pages to help you understand how to
use it (just cut-and-paste the network, workstation, and server entries into as many pages as there are networks,
workstations, and servers).
Major benefit of using the template
One of the most significant benefits of using the checklist is it will help you gauge the client's willingness to
properly invest in the systems necessary to achieve the client's stated business needs and objectives.
My office has been burnt more than once by clients who talk a big game but, when it comes to crunch time, balk
like rookies seeing their first major league curveball. We've invested numerous hours in understanding a client's
specific business needs and security requirements, only to be told at the eleventh hour that the $9,000 project the
client said they wanted to complete really needs to be completed for just $4,000.
By completing this checklist upfront, you can learn what's required to close technology gaps and implement
appropriate security controls, properly license software, and meet best industry practices. In other words, the
checklist provides you with a barometer to learn just how professional and serious a client really is.




Network, PC, and server audit checklist
Page 2
Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.
For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/
CLIENT
INITIAL MEETING
Contact
Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone
Mobile
Email

NETWORK (Location 1)
ITEM DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATION
ISP 1 Modem / Integrator
ISP 2 Modem / Integrator
Hardware-Based Firewall
Network Switch
Battery Backup
Cabling Grade
Wireless Security
Data Circuit
Sustained Ping Test
Bandwidth Test
DHCP Authority
DNS Authority
WAN IP
Other 1
Other 2


Network, PC, and server audit checklist
Page 3
Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.
For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/
WORKSTATION 1 (Computer 1 Name)
ITEM DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATION
Make Dell NA
Model Dimension 2200 NA
Computer Name Receptionist NA
Workgroup/Domain ACMECORP NA
OS Windows XP Professional SP3 NA
CPU Pentium 4 2.8GHz Our clients report much better
performance running Outlook, other
Microsoft applications, and
QuickBooks when using dual-core
powered CPUs; this machine's CPU
predates the introduction of Intel's
dual-core CPUs.
RAM 512MB Recommend minimum of 1 GB for
Windows systems that run
QuickBooks.
Hard Disk 1 80 GB; NTFS
Configured with two partitions
C reports 64% free
D reports 92% free
Hard Disk 2 Not present NA
Disk Health Microsoft chkdsk performed Chkdsk operation revealed master file
table and allocated free space issues;
recommend verifying full backup and
then performing chkdsk with /f repair
operation.
Disk Fragmentation Disk Defragmentation run 5%; defragmentation of C not
required.
IP Information DHCP 192.168.1.1 range, serviced by
network router.
AntiVirus AVG AntiVirus Professional Version 8.0 is installed; our office
recommends upgrading to version 9
to better secure Windows systems.
AntiVirus Log Notes Scans performing as planned No action required; no reported
unresolved security threats.
Windows Update Status Disabled. Recommend downloading and
installing security patches and
performance updates.
Office Version Microsoft Office Professional 2002
SP3
Recommend upgrade to Microsoft
Office Professional 2007.
Critical Applications Outlook, QuickBooks Professional
2006
Recommend upgrading to Outlook
2007 and QuickBooks Professional
2010 to receive better performance,
stability, security, and compatibility.
File Shares Access files shared to second PC This workstation serves as host.
Error Log Notes Repeated NIC loss-of-connectivity
issues
Suspected due to lack of battery-
powered network switch.
Backup Method None Recommend implementing Acronis
True Image Backup with Universal
Network, PC, and server audit checklist
Page 4
Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.
For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/
Restore backup operation with two
external hard disks for storing copy off
site.
Backup Status None Recommend implementing backup
strategy immediately.
Firewall Status Windows Firewall Enabled with exceptions.
Printers Local and network MFP NA
Battery / Surge Protection APC Battery requires replacement;
recommend replacing battery backup
unit.
Other 1 NA NA
Other 2 NA NA


Network, PC, and server audit checklist
Page 5
Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.
For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/
SERVER 1 (Server 1 Name)
ITEM DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATION
Make
Model
Server Name
Domain
OS
32- Or 64-Bit
CPU1
CPU2
RAM
Hard Disk 1
Disk Array
Hard Disk 2
Hard Disk 3
Hard Disk 4
Disk Health
Disk Fragmentation
IP Information
AntiVirus
AntiVirus Log Notes
Windows Update Status
Critical Services
Critical Applications
Active Directory Status
Exchange Status
SQL Status
CAL License Status
File Shares
Error Log Notes
Backup Method
Backup Status
System State Backup
Data Backups Verified
Firewall Status
Printers
Battery / Surge Protection
Other 1
Network, PC, and server audit checklist
Page 6
Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.
For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/
Other 2


Network, PC, and server audit checklist
Page 7
Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.
For more downloads and a free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com/

NOTES
ITEM 1 Client chooses to wait on upgrading Microsoft Office and QuickBooks
software due to budget constraints.

ITEM 2

ITEM 3

ITEM 4

ITEM 5

ITEM 6

ITEM 7