Notes from building and running IT systems
Practical guides on security, infrastructure and AI, from Aphina’s work in Baku.
When to replace laptops, servers and switches: a simple hardware refresh plan
A simple hardware refresh plan for laptops, servers and switches, so replacement happens on a schedule, not in an emergency.
What your staff are pasting into free AI chatbots, and a one-page policy
What staff are already pasting into free AI chatbots, the risk it creates, and how to write a one-page policy for it.
What to ask before signing an IT outsourcing contract
The specific questions to ask before signing an IT outsourcing contract, on scope, response times, security and how to leave.
The first hour after ransomware hits a small company
A practical, step-by-step guide to the first hour after a ransomware attack: what to do, what to avoid, and who to call.
The 10-point network health check you can do in an afternoon
A 10-point network health check an office manager can run in an afternoon, no networking background required.
Password managers and MFA for a 20-person company: a rollout plan people follow
A step-by-step rollout plan for password managers and MFA in a small company, one that staff will actually follow.
Managed IT vs hiring one IT person: what a small company really pays for
A cost worksheet for comparing one in-house IT hire against a managed IT provider, beyond just salary vs. monthly fee.
How to train your team to spot phishing in 30 minutes
A 30-minute phishing training session: what to teach, how to structure it, and how to handle mistakes without blame.
How to test that your backups actually restore
Why a successful backup job isn't proof your data can be recovered, and how to test a restore properly.
How to build a small server room that does not cause outages
A checklist for building a small server room that doesn't cause outages: location, power, cooling, cabling and monitoring.