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Computer & Data Backup
101:
Choosing
the Backup Solution to Fit Your Needs
Backing
up your computer is probably the last thing on
your daily to-do list, if it's even there at
all. But did you know that 31% of PC users have
lost ALL of their files due to events beyond
their control? As if that wasn't frightening
enough, 60% of companies that lose their data
will shut down within six months of the disaster.
But
you back up your systems, you say? Many companies
trust their data to tape backups,
with the assumption that their data will be safely
stored. It's not
always the case: 34% of companies fail to test
their tape backups, and
of those
that
do,
77%
have
found
tape backup failures.
There
are three important things you need to know when
it comes to backing up your systems:
1. Backing up your data is only
HALF of the solution.
2. Recovering your data is the OTHER HALF of
the equation.
3. Regular testing of your backup
systems is imperative.
Backing
up your data: The best way to assess
your backup needs is to consult a professional:
if you are lucky, you might have an IT professional
who is capable and ready to answer any questions
you
may have about backing up your systems, or who
knows where you can get answers.
Another
resource to tap into would be the actual companies
who
sell backup solutions. Typically, good
companies you can trust will have consultative
or sales people you can speak with, free of
charge, who will ask you
questions
about
the types of computers you have and technologies
you use.
If
you are technologically savvy, there is a wealth
of information to be found
on-line;
however, it can often be a daunting task
to explore all the possibilities available. The
reason why we aren't telling you which backup
system is right for you is because the answer
is: it depends. It depends on if you
are using a laptop, a desktop, if you have a
small or large network, if you need gigabytes
of space or terabytes. The list of variables
determines your needs, which is why a professional
in the industry would be the best resource when
it comes to determining which system is right
for you.
Once
you decide
on your backup system, it is a good idea
to
back up your data on a daily basis - or,
at the very
least, on a weekly or monthly basis. Think
of it this way: if all your computers were eaten
up by viruses,
how far back would you be willing to regress
as you start over again? Recovering your
data: A major consideration as you
decide upon your backup system is the recovery.
How easy is it to recover your backed-up
data? You should also test this: back up
your data, and then try to recover it from
a different computer. Your recovery should
be just as simple as the backing up process;
after all, it doesn't do you much good if
all your information is somewhere that you
cannot access.
Regular
testing of your backup systems: It
is a good idea to test your backup
systems on a monthly basis. If you really
want to be on top of things, weekly testing
would be fantastic, though in the real world,
not everyone is able to perform testing this
frequently. A good piece of advice is to
have several people take turns testing the
backup and recovery process (one person each
week or month, for example). That way, in
the event of a disaster or emergency,
you
will be able to rely on more than just one
person to initiate the backup and/or recovery
process of your systems.
While
we often think that losing our data is something
that only happens to other people, keep
in mind that data loss can occur in many ways:
whether it is by network hackers; forces of nature;
and/or - most commonly - through simple human
error,
the bottom line is that you need your information
to stay in business. By putting in the effort
now to find a good backup and recovery
solution,
when you don't need
to recover your data, you will be thanking yourself
in the future when you do.
GenieHelpMe.com
May 2008
FREE
Genie Demonstrations:
In
the Southern California area? Visit the Spark Technologies
office in Orange County for a free Genie presentation!
Spark
Technologies
is currently holding Genie presentations at the following
dates and times:
Wednesday,
May 21 - 9:30am
Wednesday, June 11 - 9:30am
Wednesday, June 25 - 9:30am
Wednesday, July 9 - 9:30am
Wednesday, July 23 - 9:30am
Call
today and talk with a live person to reserve your date
and time: 800.989.7290.
The Spark Technologies office is located on the corner
of Garden Grove Blvd. and
Euclid Street, in the heart of Garden Grove, just minutes
away from Disneyland and the world-famous Orange County
coastline. 12966
Euclid Street Suite 550; Garden Grove, CA 92840.
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