Be sure to go online and update virus scanning utility regularly so that you can protect your system from latest computer virus circulating. New viruses circulate Internet daily and you will not be fully protected unless your virus detection software is as current as possible. Another basic virus protection tip -- most computer viruses are transmitted via email attachments. Thus, do not open email attachments from email addresses that you do not know.

Be sure to keep your Windows Start-up disk (3 1/2" "diskettes") or CD, current. It may be your only way to recover from a Windows start-up problem when your hard drive "boot" files have become corrupted. [Go to START, SETTINGS, ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS, then select STARTUP DISK tab.]

If you have make it this far, here are three most important points of this article;

~ Backup your files ~ Backup your files ~ Backup your files

As mention before, whether you are struck by a hard drive crash or a victim of one of ever increasing number of computer viruses circulating today, how quickly you can recover or even prevent it -- may determine whether it is a disaster or an inconvenience.

The most important thing that you can do on that point is to backup all of your critical data files on a regular basis.

Disks (3 1/2" "diskettes") are still most common way most people back-up their data files. The data files are files that you want to make sure that you back-up on a regular bases. Data files are files that you build when you use a program or "application" such as your word processor or spread sheet. You should schedule your backup of these files according to importance of information stored within file. If it is your daily client contact list or accounts receivables information that are critical to success of your business, then backup those files every day. Other data information files may only have to be backed-up once a week.

Since you have your original applications on CD or disk, you do not have to back-up those program files at all. You may use original CD or disk to reinstall application as needed.

Generally, CDs are a more durable back-up medium. More and more people are using their read/write CD drive to handle their data back-up.

If you have a lot of data or images to back-up, look into adding a Zip drive to your computer. The detachable Zip disks store as much information as old hard drives of a few years ago.

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a lost cause when it comes to computer recovery. Any data can be recovered, it depends on how important it is and how much money you're willing to spend. Even if you fail to properly prepare for recovery, you can turn process over to your local computer professional to attempt to recover your computer system -- at a price!

Copyright Steven Presar

However, if you decided to go with a wireless network Your installation is simpler. A "wireless gateway" is placed on a shelf and "wireless cards" are installed within your computer equipment within their open card slots. All without expensive cabling being installed and installed within a matter of minutes.

For businesses that already have a wired network, turning it into a wireless one can cost less than $100, and most computers can hook up to them with wireless cards that cost $50 to $70.

Your employees can then work within your office wherever it’s most convenient for them; at their desk, a shared office, a conference room, or even your lunchroom. All without losing their network WLAN connection. Their productivity will rise. Plus, if you move your office, you may move components (the WLAN gateway and cards) with you.

Thus, wireless networking not only increased productivity, but save you money by eliminating cost of cables for a wired network.

Even if you stay with your wired LAN within your office, you may see an increased productivity for those people who are mobile. They may stay connected via a laptop, as they move throughout your office, easily tapping into resources of existing wired network. Field sales people can access your company LAN from airport or a hotel thus greatly increasing productivity.

Security Challenges

Expanding reach of network sometimes makes network available to high-tech peeping toms. Currently, encryption method built-into 802.11b wireless standard, is easily cracked by a determined hacker. Thus, allowing intruders to unscramble things such as network passwords and get access to sensitive files or wreak havoc within your office system.

Other generations of wireless standards such as 802.11a and 802.11g include better encryption.

Wireless Standards

11 Mbps or 54 Mbps wireless products currently come in two standards — 802.11a or 802.11b.

The prime difference between 802.11a and 802.11b specifications is speed. The 802.11a standard transmit and receive data at speeds up to 54 Mbps. That is five times faster than 802.11b standard, that transmit up to 11 Mbps. Also, because 802.11a operates in 5.2 GHz radio frequency band, interference is eliminated with other wireless technologies. Other wireless devises (802.11b products, some cordless phones, and microwave ovens) operate in 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, thus provide no interference.

The 802.11a is rapidly replacing wired Ethernet networks. At a data rate speeds of up to 54 Mbps, it is faster than other WLAN standard. 802.11a and 802.11b both have a similar range, but 802.11a provides higher speed throughout entire coverage area. The 5 GHz frequency band, in which it operates is not currently highly populated, so there is less congestion and chance for interference or signal contention.

The 802.11a standard is most reliable and efficient medium to accommodate high bandwidth applications.

When you are out of office and would like to if a local access to Internet or to your office, check out http://www.wifinder.com. WiFinder develops tools for businesses to manage wireless networks and supply information to simplify remote access for mobile workers. Their web site pinpoints locations of Wi-Fi service nationwide.

Copyright Steven Presar