Deep down, you know that regular computer backup is the responsible and prudent action that could one day save your business from the utter chaos of a major data loss. You know this. But even so, you put off getting a reliable computer backup system in place and continue to cross your fingers, hoping for the best. All the while, with each passing day you store more and more of your business’ critical information on your computer’s vulnerable hard drive.
When it comes to planning for data recovery, ignorance is the opposite of bliss. Let’s take a closer look at how you’re neglecting your computer backup and then at a few simple strategies for protecting the future of your business.
How You’re Neglecting Your Computer Backup
You use a computer every day to organize, grow and operate your business, but you can’t remember the last time you made a backup of the information stored on your computer.
You don’t know how to perform a backup, but you have an IT guy that you think backs up your computer from time to time. You’re not sure how often he does the backup, and you’re not sure what happens to the backup once he’s completed it. Does he take it home? Does it get transferred to another external hard drive in your office? No, he leaves the backup CD on top of the computer, so that when your office is robbed, the CD is stolen with the computer. (Repeat outcome for fire and flooding.)
You or your IT person perform a backup of your computer system on the first day of every month and store it safely offsite. If your computer crashes on the last day of the previous month, having to recreate 30 or 31 days of hard work would be a complete nightmare, but so far you’ve been lucky.
Your assistant backs up all of your computers every Friday afternoon to CDs, which she then puts into her purse to take home. The information is unencrypted, but she’s been with you for years and she’s practically part of the family. On her way home, she stops at the grocery store to pick up a few things, and as she’s loading her purchases into her trunk her purse is stolen from the front of her shopping cart. As she already has her car keys in hand to open the trunk, she doesn’t even realize that her purse is missing until she arrives home. Now your private information (and the private information of your client base) is available to complete strangers, who also happen to be criminals.
How You Can Act Now to Protect Your Business
Recognize that your time is a non-renewable resource, and therefore the time spent working on your computer is extremely valuable. Protect that investment by backing up your computer every day.
Ask yourself: how much time do I spend working on my computer every day? Is it 4 hours, 6 hours, or perhaps even 8-10 hours? How would you feel if your computer crashed and you lost an entire day’s worth of progress? How about a week’s or a month’s worth of progress? If these are unacceptable scenarios for your business, you need to get serious about computer backup and recovery.
Train a second and third person to perform a complete backup. This way, if you are out of the office for any reason, two other people can step in to backup your computers.
Personally store a copy of your recent backup offsite, in a secure location like a safety deposit box. If your IT person is copying your backup to an external drive that resides in your office, have them also make a CD version that you can take offsite.
The best way to ensure that your computer backup is completed every day, encrypted, and securely stored offsite, is to use a reputable online data backup and recovery service to automatically backup and securely store your information. These services are inexpensive, reliable and managed by digital storage experts.
When you’re planning the future of your business, don’t neglect the importance of daily, offsite computer backup. Because being able to recover all of your information after a frightening computer crash or theft is pure business bliss.
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AlcE
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Posted by
AlcE
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Tape back ups are infallible according to tech gurus. A tape back up system ensures that valuable data is always stored safely and that no loss of data will occur in case of disasters. Tape back up systems are in use by several small and large corporations and are known to be reliable.
Of all back up systems for computer data tape backups are the cheapest, they are a secure way to store data and can be transported with ease. In terms of cost a tape backup system is cheaper than most other back up systems and the equipment and expertise needed is minimal. A tape back up system can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on configuration.
When buying a tape back up system you need to consider:
1. Your need. Study your systems to determine how much data needs backing up and how often. Find out how much new data is generated each day or week. This will help you decide whether you need daily back up, weekly back up or fortnightly back ups.
2. Don’t just go out and buy the first tape back up system you see. Find out all about hardware, software, and tapes. Get advice on how to buy a simple user friendly configuration.
3. Choose a tape drive based on your needs. Find out how many megabytes of data you will need to store. There are many reliable systems like Mountain Network solutions, Colorado Memory Systems, Hewlett Packard, and so on.
4. When considering a tape back up software decide whether you will need server only back up or server and desktop back ups. Great software for tape back up systems is available from Cheyyenne, Maynard, Palindrome, and Filesafe. Know what software will suit your needs. Read reviews , case studies, and trade publications.
5. Select tapes that have a proven reliability. Most people recommend 3M, Exabyte, or Sony tapes.
6. Once you have all your needs figured out create a note and then get quotes form different dealers. Comparison shop to get the best deal.
Before you sign a check ask about guarantees and service. Many vendors offer training too. Look for honesty, reliability, and transparency. Most people who have these qualities will talk openly about successes as well as failures.
Insist on testing back ups. And store the tape back ups off site so that they are not destroyed in case of floods or fire.
Of all back up systems for computer data tape backups are the cheapest, they are a secure way to store data and can be transported with ease. In terms of cost a tape backup system is cheaper than most other back up systems and the equipment and expertise needed is minimal. A tape back up system can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on configuration.
When buying a tape back up system you need to consider:
1. Your need. Study your systems to determine how much data needs backing up and how often. Find out how much new data is generated each day or week. This will help you decide whether you need daily back up, weekly back up or fortnightly back ups.
2. Don’t just go out and buy the first tape back up system you see. Find out all about hardware, software, and tapes. Get advice on how to buy a simple user friendly configuration.
3. Choose a tape drive based on your needs. Find out how many megabytes of data you will need to store. There are many reliable systems like Mountain Network solutions, Colorado Memory Systems, Hewlett Packard, and so on.
4. When considering a tape back up software decide whether you will need server only back up or server and desktop back ups. Great software for tape back up systems is available from Cheyyenne, Maynard, Palindrome, and Filesafe. Know what software will suit your needs. Read reviews , case studies, and trade publications.
5. Select tapes that have a proven reliability. Most people recommend 3M, Exabyte, or Sony tapes.
6. Once you have all your needs figured out create a note and then get quotes form different dealers. Comparison shop to get the best deal.
Before you sign a check ask about guarantees and service. Many vendors offer training too. Look for honesty, reliability, and transparency. Most people who have these qualities will talk openly about successes as well as failures.
Insist on testing back ups. And store the tape back ups off site so that they are not destroyed in case of floods or fire.
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AlcE
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Over time most people tend to store valuable data on their personal and business computers. And, some never think about back up systems. Often when things go wrong the loss of data can rob you of your peace of mind and sanity.
The first thing to do when you perceive that there is trouble in your server , hard disk, or RAID health is to stay calm and not facilitate further loss by pressing all keys and codes. Take a deep breath and decide on whether you are going to do the data protection and recovery yourself or seek the help of specialists. The key to preventing loss of computer data is to create back ups like clockwork.
Data recovery, although possible, hardly ever promises 100% recovery of lost data, here are a few suggestions:
1. Use proven data recovery software and try and retrieve lost files.
2. If you suspect a hardware collapse just pull the plug and call for professional help. Do not try and shut down the system or save any files.
3. Listen to the computer and see if you can detect any abnormal sounds.
4. Connect the faulty disks to another computer and use the disk as a slave to try and recover lost files.
5. Consider investing in data recovery software. Surf the World Wide Web and locate a reliable data recovery and protection service. Be sure to check their credentials.
6. If a drive is damaged do not run defragmenters or volume repair utilities.
7. In case the ruined drive has OS systems on it get recovery systems that have boot functions. Once the files become visible copy them onto disks or external drives.
8. Never dry a wet hard drive with a dryer it will damage the system completely.
9. Clean up the system by deleting unwanted files and software.
10. Install protection systems like firewalls and anti-virus scanners.
As far as possible never drop a drive down. Use only recommended hardware and software. Beware of free downloads. Set up an infallible back up system.
Protect your data against loss by:
1. Conducting weekly backups that are offsite. Remote data back ups minimizes data loss.
2. Use Storage area networks or SANs.
3. Add surge protectors to your computer system . This will protect the delicate equipment.
4. Connect the whole system through an UPS or uninterrupted power supply system.
5. Install anti-virus software and firewalls.
6. Insure your hardware.
7. Follow the rules of safe computer use like never opening attachments from unknown sources and protecting your system from phising by avoiding free downloads and so on.
Take the ultimate step in protecting your data by training all employees if you are a business and if you are an individual then stay abreast of recent trends in computer protection and data recovery.
The first thing to do when you perceive that there is trouble in your server , hard disk, or RAID health is to stay calm and not facilitate further loss by pressing all keys and codes. Take a deep breath and decide on whether you are going to do the data protection and recovery yourself or seek the help of specialists. The key to preventing loss of computer data is to create back ups like clockwork.
Data recovery, although possible, hardly ever promises 100% recovery of lost data, here are a few suggestions:
1. Use proven data recovery software and try and retrieve lost files.
2. If you suspect a hardware collapse just pull the plug and call for professional help. Do not try and shut down the system or save any files.
3. Listen to the computer and see if you can detect any abnormal sounds.
4. Connect the faulty disks to another computer and use the disk as a slave to try and recover lost files.
5. Consider investing in data recovery software. Surf the World Wide Web and locate a reliable data recovery and protection service. Be sure to check their credentials.
6. If a drive is damaged do not run defragmenters or volume repair utilities.
7. In case the ruined drive has OS systems on it get recovery systems that have boot functions. Once the files become visible copy them onto disks or external drives.
8. Never dry a wet hard drive with a dryer it will damage the system completely.
9. Clean up the system by deleting unwanted files and software.
10. Install protection systems like firewalls and anti-virus scanners.
As far as possible never drop a drive down. Use only recommended hardware and software. Beware of free downloads. Set up an infallible back up system.
Protect your data against loss by:
1. Conducting weekly backups that are offsite. Remote data back ups minimizes data loss.
2. Use Storage area networks or SANs.
3. Add surge protectors to your computer system . This will protect the delicate equipment.
4. Connect the whole system through an UPS or uninterrupted power supply system.
5. Install anti-virus software and firewalls.
6. Insure your hardware.
7. Follow the rules of safe computer use like never opening attachments from unknown sources and protecting your system from phising by avoiding free downloads and so on.
Take the ultimate step in protecting your data by training all employees if you are a business and if you are an individual then stay abreast of recent trends in computer protection and data recovery.
Posted by
AlcE
kommentzz (0)
Power outages, systems errors, viruses, hardware failure and more could throw your whole business to jeopardy if you have failed to create an efficient back up system. Personal or business data stored on computers or laptops is very often lost due to disasters big and small.
There are so many reasons due to which data can be lost, power outages or surges, computer crashes, spyware, viruses designed to wipe up entire disk systems, natural disasters like tsunamis and floods. What you need to do is always be prepared for the worst and think of data recovery systems.
In case of any problem and possible data loss here are 6 basic rules for you to follow:
1. Do not use your system. When you use the computer the chances of overwriting and irreparable loss are extremely high.
2. Do not try and copy any files to or from your disk.
3. Never connect to the internet until the lost data has been recovered.
4. Try and free space on the disk that contains lost files. Empty the recycle bin and browser cache.
5. Call in the data recovery experts. In an emergency it is best you do not attempt file recovery yourself. Sit with the expert and indicate the important files that are lost. Once the files have been recovered check carefully that they are complete and functional. Then save them in multiple locations like CDs, pen drives, and another directory on the computer.
6. Once this emergency is over make efforts to put in place a data recovery system. The World Wide Web has several experts in the field who will set up simple data recovery systems. It is not very expensive and you have to consider that protecting you valuable data from loss is very important.
Data recovery systems are designed by experts and the systems can recover most of your data. What you need to do is ensure that all your data is backed up periodically say once a week or fortnight depending on usage. Finding a data recovery expert is not hard all you need to do is go online and study the various options. Make a short list and verify the efficacy and reliability of each consultant or vendor before signing up.
There are two options data recovery software and professional services. You need to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether you just want to invest in software or take professional help. Your decision should really depend on how much computer knowledge and expertise you have and whether you will be able to use the software efficiently. Before you buy any software ask about any warranties of full data recovery.
The advantage of hiring a professional is that is that :
• They are experts.
• They have the most advanced software and updated systems.
• They have the expertise to recover all kinds of file types including FLV and flash files, MIDI music files, digital media files, voice files, and other regular files.
Data recovery is not difficult at all and can save your business or personal data.
Posted by
AlcE
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The so called music and movie download sites are under attack.
In America the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)and Hollywood's MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America)are trying to shut them down, and seasoned Internet users are calling them a scam. Do they deserve this?
Surfing the Internet, looking for music and movies to download, you will find a lot of so called music and movie download sites. These sites do not provide you with music, or movies to download, no, they provide you with file sharing soft ware you can use to search for, and download music, movies and games. Most of them also provide you with cd burning soft ware and they have a helpdesk for those members who run in to problems with their downloading.
These sites are under attack.
First of all there is the entertainment industry that wants to shut them down. They claim that these file sharing programs are used to download copy right protected materials.
This is true of course, but lots of people download and trade files legally on file-sharing networks.You can, for example, legally download music from hundreds of bands and thousands live concerts, as well as multiple software titles and games. File sharing has enabled music fans from around the world to build the largest library of recorded music in history. File sharing is not illegal as long as you obey and comply with all relevant copyright laws. Sharing copyrighted material without permission could be illegal in your country.
In America the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) are leading the fight against the sharing of copyrighted music. Others, like Hollywood’s MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) are also starting to get involved and are taking legal action against the music and movie download sites.
It will not be easy to shut down these download sites. Especially since the Internet has no borders, it will be an almost impossible task, to get all the countries in the world to agree on how to legislate Internet downloading.
Another attack on music and movies download sites comes from, what I call, seasoned Internet users. They claim these download sites are a scam, because they charge for something you can get for free.
Well, you could get it for free, that is true. These download sites provide you with soft ware to search for and download files from the Internet. They provide you with soft ware to burn these files on a cd should you wish to do so.
All this software is available for free on the Internet, but for an Internet novice it could be a daunting task to look for this kind of soft ware, to decide which soft ware to use, how to use it.On top of that they have to make sure that they do not download spy ware, ad ware or what ever. Joining a download site and have all the info in one place is not a bad option for most of them. Another advantage is the fact that these download sites provide a help desk for their members.
Is it a scam if you provide info that people could get for free elsewhere?
Consider this.
You are looking for a telephone number, so you look it up in the phone book.
Say you do not have the right phone book, you can go out looking for it.
You probably can find this free info in the library.
You can also pick up the phone and ring an information service.
They will provide you with this free info and they will charge you for it.
So, is this information service a scam?
I do not think so, and I also do not think that the music and movies download sites are a scam.
Provided of course that they tell you what you can expect from them before you sign up with them, and that they deliver on this promise
If you want to join a download site, chose one that gives a guaranty that you can have your money back if not satisfied.
Once you have joined, test out everything, especially their helpdesk.
If you have no questions, ask them a few things you know already, just to test their response.
And last but not least, do not hesitate to charge back your money if you are not completely satisfied.
Happy downloading!
In America the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)and Hollywood's MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America)are trying to shut them down, and seasoned Internet users are calling them a scam. Do they deserve this?
Surfing the Internet, looking for music and movies to download, you will find a lot of so called music and movie download sites. These sites do not provide you with music, or movies to download, no, they provide you with file sharing soft ware you can use to search for, and download music, movies and games. Most of them also provide you with cd burning soft ware and they have a helpdesk for those members who run in to problems with their downloading.
These sites are under attack.
First of all there is the entertainment industry that wants to shut them down. They claim that these file sharing programs are used to download copy right protected materials.
This is true of course, but lots of people download and trade files legally on file-sharing networks.You can, for example, legally download music from hundreds of bands and thousands live concerts, as well as multiple software titles and games. File sharing has enabled music fans from around the world to build the largest library of recorded music in history. File sharing is not illegal as long as you obey and comply with all relevant copyright laws. Sharing copyrighted material without permission could be illegal in your country.
In America the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) are leading the fight against the sharing of copyrighted music. Others, like Hollywood’s MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) are also starting to get involved and are taking legal action against the music and movie download sites.
It will not be easy to shut down these download sites. Especially since the Internet has no borders, it will be an almost impossible task, to get all the countries in the world to agree on how to legislate Internet downloading.
Another attack on music and movies download sites comes from, what I call, seasoned Internet users. They claim these download sites are a scam, because they charge for something you can get for free.
Well, you could get it for free, that is true. These download sites provide you with soft ware to search for and download files from the Internet. They provide you with soft ware to burn these files on a cd should you wish to do so.
All this software is available for free on the Internet, but for an Internet novice it could be a daunting task to look for this kind of soft ware, to decide which soft ware to use, how to use it.On top of that they have to make sure that they do not download spy ware, ad ware or what ever. Joining a download site and have all the info in one place is not a bad option for most of them. Another advantage is the fact that these download sites provide a help desk for their members.
Is it a scam if you provide info that people could get for free elsewhere?
Consider this.
You are looking for a telephone number, so you look it up in the phone book.
Say you do not have the right phone book, you can go out looking for it.
You probably can find this free info in the library.
You can also pick up the phone and ring an information service.
They will provide you with this free info and they will charge you for it.
So, is this information service a scam?
I do not think so, and I also do not think that the music and movies download sites are a scam.
Provided of course that they tell you what you can expect from them before you sign up with them, and that they deliver on this promise
If you want to join a download site, chose one that gives a guaranty that you can have your money back if not satisfied.
Once you have joined, test out everything, especially their helpdesk.
If you have no questions, ask them a few things you know already, just to test their response.
And last but not least, do not hesitate to charge back your money if you are not completely satisfied.
Happy downloading!
