Top 7 Reasons You Should Back Up Your Data Online!Written by Sol Spencer
How much is your data worth to you? In this modern electronic-age we rely more than ever on our computers to supply us with information we need. Chances are every piece of data you might ever rely on to make an important decision has been reduced to a digital format and resides somewhere on your computer's hard drive. Improved functionality and productivity are benefits, however, on flipside, one wrong click, one nasty virus, one untimely power surge or unhappy employee and that data is gone forever!Online backups (also called offsite or remote backups) are a great solution for almost any small business or individual computer user. 1. The Statistics say you should. a. Among companies that experience data loss, 50% never re-open and 90% are out of business within two years. b. 20MB of accounting data takes 21 days and costs $19,000 to reproduce. c. Causes of data loss – 42% Hardware Failure, 30% Human Error, 13% Software Corruption, 7% Computer Viruses, 5% Theft. 2. Easy. Online backups are a simple way to protect your data. Online backup services provide software application, server space and customer service in one turnkey solution. There are no additional software applications or equipment specifications to learn. The installation and set-up is quick and painless. Your backups can be scheduled to run automatically at any time you desire. There is no media, tapes or hardware to deal with. 3. Security. Believe it or not, online backups are generally more secure than in-house backup solutions. If your computers or data are affected by natural disaster, power failure/surges, viruses, vandalism, theft, human error, etc., your in-house backup will suffer same consequences. Another unfortunate thing about tape backups is that they are not generally encrypted, and not very secure. Almost anyone can read them and gain access to your clients, sales, prospects, notes, billing records, payroll, tax info, and anything else on your computer.
| | Important Steps to Protect your Computer from HurricanesWritten by Sol Spencer
Having lived in West Central Florida for past 15 years, I’ve been given some insight into sometimes scary reality of Mother Nature. This past summer I’ve had displeasure of meeting four characters, first hand...Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan. Yes, I’m talking about Hurricanes. For all advantages one has with personal computers or a high-tech home office setup, there are huge disadvantages to being plugged in during approach of a serious storm: loss of data can be devastating. While it's simple enough to log off, shut down and unplug at first warning signs, you might want to take a few extra steps to preserve information that is vital to a business or family archives. In best of circumstances an ounce of prevention will result in countless returns. A little foresight can make difference between having usable equipment or a pile of water-soaked junk. 1. Along with other valuable property, document what you own with a videotape or camera. Save copies of purchase receipts. Be sure electric wiring in your home or business is properly grounded and that all voltage-sensitive equipment is grounded. 2. Battery backup: Purchase electronic equipment with a back-up battery or capacitor to retain settings should a momentary power disturbance occur. Consider purchasing protective equipment which can help against lethal storm and electrical conditions. Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS) maintains power to critical loads during power outages. 3. Surge Protectors: Make sure suppressor has 3-way protection and is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed for compliance with 1449 TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) standard. Features of plug-in type surge protector include multiple outlets, on/off switches, audible alarms, and indicator lights to let you know suppressor is working, and connections for telephone or data cable lines.
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