IT support · Guide
Small office IT setup checklist
A working office needs more than computers. Use this checklist when you open a new office, move, or take stock of a setup that grew without a plan.
Updated · Nexus Digital Ireland
Connectivity
- Business broadband
- Check what is available at the address early, as installation can take weeks. Ask about business support terms.
- A backup connection
- A 4G or 5G router that takes over when the main line fails, if the office cannot work offline.
- Business Wi-Fi
- Access points that cover the whole office, with a separate guest network for visitors.
- Cabling
- Wired connections for desks, printers and access points where possible; they are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- A firewall
- Protects the office network and lets you control remote access safely.
Accounts and email
- Your domain in the business's name
- Registered to the business, with renewal and login details kept safe.
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
- One account per person, the right plan for each, and shared mailboxes for info@ or accounts@.
- MFA for everyone
- Switched on from day one.
- Email records
- SPF, DKIM and DMARC set up so your email is trusted and cannot easily be faked.
- A password manager
- So shared logins are not kept in a notebook or spreadsheet.
Devices
- Business-grade laptops
- Windows Pro or Mac, so drives can be encrypted and devices managed.
- Encryption and updates
- BitLocker or FileVault on, automatic updates on.
- Endpoint protection
- Antivirus and threat protection on every device.
- Device management
- Intune or similar, so a lost laptop can be locked or wiped.
- Printing and scanning
- A shared printer set up for everyone, with scan-to-email or scan-to-folder working.
- Power
- A small UPS for the router and network equipment, so a short power cut does not take the office offline.
Protection and records
- Backup
- Files and Microsoft 365 data backed up, with a restore tested.
- An asset list
- Every laptop, phone and licence, who has it and when it was issued.
- Starter and leaver steps
- Written down, so accounts and equipment are handled the same way every time.
- Documentation
- Broadband account numbers, Wi-Fi details, admin accounts and supplier contacts in one safe place.
- Who to call
- Know who supports the office when something stops working.
How Nexus sets up small offices
Nexus Digital plans and sets up small office IT across Ireland, from Wi-Fi and cabling to laptops, Microsoft 365 and printing, with a written handover at the end.
- One plan covering connectivity, accounts, devices, printing and backup.
- Equipment supplied, or set up if you already have it.
- Devices and licences can be recorded in the Operations Register's asset register, with who has each one.
Questions
What IT does a small office need?
Reliable broadband and Wi-Fi, a firewall, business email accounts with MFA, managed and encrypted laptops, a shared printer, backup, and written records of what you have.
How long does it take to set up IT for a new office?
The equipment can be set up in days, but business broadband installation can take weeks, so order it as early as possible.
Do we need a server in a small office?
Usually not. Most small offices keep email and files in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace and do not need a server on site.
Should office computers be wired or on Wi-Fi?
Wired where it is practical, especially for desks and printers. Good business Wi-Fi works well for laptops that move around.
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