Tag Archives: Business

“4 Questions About Backups That You Should Know The Answers To”

4 Questions About Backups That You Should Know The Answers To

The old saying, “Pack your own parachute,” comes to mind when I think of data backups or, more specifically, data RECOVERY. However, how many people actually know how to pack their data backup “parachute.

Since the absolute WORST time to check your backups is AFTER a data disaster, all business owners ought to know the answers to the following questions NOW so they aren’t unpleasantly surprised later when data gets erased and they’re scrambling to get back up and running:

1. Where EXACTLY is your data being backed up, and how do you get access to it?
Ideally, it should be in your network documentation that is kept in your operations manual or somewhere you can easily access it if necessary.

2. Who’s responsible for monitoring the backups to make sure they are working?
When data is lost, the finger pointing starts

3. How often do you run a test restore?
The only way to know if your backups are working properly is to conduct a test restore or “fire drill” of your data. We recommend running this once a month at a minimum to verify that you can actually restore from your backups in an emergency.

4. If your data is lost, what’s the process required to restore it?
Business owners should know what is required and how long it will take to recover data before an emergency strikes. Not all backup and recovery options are created equal. Setting up the proper process before you need it, will make your life a lot easier after an emergency.
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“Should You Leave Your Computer On at Night or Turn it Off?”

Should You Leave Your Computer On At Night Or Turn It Off?

I’ve been asked by clients whether or not they should leave their computer on all the time or turn it off when they are not using it.

Several years ago I would have told my clients to turn their machines off to save power. But with the proliferation of viruses and threats over the last few years, I have changed my mind.

Today, anti-virus programs and anti-spyware applications need regular updating. These updates are often scheduled to run in the wee hours of the morning when you are not using your computer.

Windows also needs to be updated whenever a new security patch is released. This is usually not daily, but it may happen several times a month. It’s important to update your operating system as soon as a patch becomes available because hackers move very quickly to reverse engineer Windows updates. As soon as an update is released, they create a virus specific to that vulnerability and start looking for unprotected machines to infect and invade.

In addition to the above, you should be backing up your data every day, and the best time to do this is at night when you are not using it.

So bottom line, leave your computer on all night and restart it two or three times a week to clear the memory.

I hope you will find this post informative and useful. I am looking forward to hearing your comments. That’s all I have for today, until next time make it a great day!
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“How to Pick a Good Password!”

How to Pick a Good Password!

What’s the most common password? You guessed it…”password.” Obviously this is not the best way to protect yourself against hackers and online thieves. But even if you don’t use the word “password,” you might be using an equally easy password to decipher.

We suggest you DON’T use the following passwords for really important web sites, such as your online banking web site or other financially related sites.

• Your name or your spouse’s name.
• Your children’s names.
• Your pet’s name.
• Your birth date.
• The last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Your phone number.
• Your address.
• A series of consecutive numbers, such as “1, 2, 3, 4.”
• A single word that would appear in a dictionary.

Your best bet for creating a strong password: Use combinations of letters, numbers and special characters.

I hope you will find this post informative and useful. I am looking forward to hearing your comments. That’s all I have for today, until next time make it a great day!
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Security Alert!

Security Alert! Ads for fake antivirus and antispyware programs are multiplying! How to avoid getting tricked? Many “reputable” sites are compromised and the owners don’t know it. So it’s not always where you surf. Here are four tips that may … Continue reading

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“What do Cars and Computers Have in Common? “

“What do Cars and Computers Have in Common?” Both cars and computers are indispensible, complex and will eventually break. Do you change the oil in your car? You probably do. But WHY? You do this to prevent problems that you … Continue reading

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“How to Safely Dispose of Old Computers”

“How to Safely Dispose of Old Computers” With the new year upon us, many of you may have upgraded your old PCs for shiny new ones. So what should you do about that old PC left over? Whatever you do, … Continue reading

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“Is Your Computer Keyboard Making You Sick?”

“Is Your Computer Keyboard Making You Sick?” Now that we’re at the height of cold and flu season, you might want to take a closer look at what’s living on your keyboard. A series of studies called “Germs in the … Continue reading

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“The 19 Most Important Rules of E-mail Etiquette”

“The 19 Most Important Rules of E-mail Etiquette” E-mail is quickly becoming the #1 way we communicate with friends, family, co-workers, employees, and clients. But be careful! E-mail messages cannot accurately deliver the tone of your message and what you … Continue reading

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“5 Easy Ways to Avoid Getting an Avalanche of Spam”

“5 Easy Ways to Avoid Getting an Avalanche of Spam” Spam e-mails are not only annoying and time consuming, but they’re also becoming more dangerous to your personal privacy and the security of your computer. Millions of computers users are … Continue reading

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“The UPS Your Business Can’t Be Without (And, No, I’m Not Talking About The Post Office)”

“The UPS Your Business Can’t Be Without (And, No, I’m Not Talking About The Post Office)” A UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, is a battery backup power source for computers, servers and network equipment. When the power goes out, a … Continue reading

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