Server maintenance is the process of keeping your server software, hardware, and network environment running smoothly. It includes monitoring performance, updating software, patching security vulnerabilities, optimizing configurations, and ensuring data backups.

Regular maintenance helps prevent downtime, improves performance, enhances security, and ensures your system remains reliable. It also helps identify potential issues before they turn into major problems.

Routine maintenance should be done weekly or monthly, depending on the type of server and its workload. Critical systems may require daily monitoring and quarterly deep maintenance.

Common tasks include:

• Checking system logs and disk space
• Updating OS and software patches
• Monitoring server performance and uptime
• Optimizing databases
• Testing data backups and restore points
• Scanning for malware or security threats

Sometimes, yes. Certain updates or reboots may require temporary downtime. However, professional service providers usually perform maintenance during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.

Signs include slow performance, high CPU or memory usage, unexpected crashes, frequent downtime, or outdated software. Regular monitoring helps detect these issues early.

• Proactive maintenance prevents problems before they occur (e.g., updates, monitoring, backups).
• Reactive maintenance fixes issues after they appear (e.g., server crash recovery).
  Proactive maintenance is generally more cost-effective and reliable.