A POS system is the backbone of retail operations. Proper maintenance is essential. Restarting your POS weekly takes a moment and prevents issues.
The Technical Benefits Explained
Here's something many people realise: there's a big difference between restarting your POS computer and just shutting it down. Today, most modern Windows systems use "fast startup" technology that saves part of the existing system to help the computer start faster. I think that it's like putting a dirty dish back in the cupboard instead of washing it properly. Your dirty dish is still there.
When you restart your POS computer, three critical processes occur:
Memory gets completely refreshed
During regular operation, programs develop memory leaks that make your system slower and less reliable.
Network connections reset
Your POS maintains connections to various devices, such as your EFTPOS unit. These connections degrade over time, causing slower transactions and/or payment failures. A restart establishes fresh, clean network connections.
Two Methods for Restarts
Manual Restart Process
For immediate results, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu
- Click the Power icon
- Select Restart (not Shut down)
If you have several POS computers, restart them one at a time to ensure you have a working system available for customers.
Automatic Restart Setup
This method ensures proper restarts every time you power on:
- Open Control Panel
- Navigate to Hardware and Sound
- Select Power Options
- Choose "Choose what the power buttons do"
- Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable"
- Uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)"
- Save changes
This modification slightly increases startup time but ensures a complete system refresh with every boot, eliminating the need to remember weekly manual restarts.
Conclusion
A computer should be restarted weekly.
Written by:
Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.
