Simple Guide To Creating Backups Of Your Data

There are two kinds of hard drives: those that have failed and those that will fail.
Every week, new clients come to us in crisis. The worst case scenario just became a reality: a hard drive has died. A computer has crashed with years worth of data. Immediately we ask if there is a backup somewhere and inevitably the answer is no. How did this happen? They don't know. When? Minutes ago. What have they lost? Irreplaceable pictures, financial data, emails, documents, presentations and a host of other data. Can we save it? It depends. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Could they have saved it? Absolutely.
Some problems are completely inevitable in the world of computers. Hard drive failure is one of those problems. Unfortunately, computers don't come with a comprehensive guide that warn users of all the problems they might experience and how to resolve them. That's why our clients always seem to be surprised that this has happened to them. After all, their computer was fully functional last time they turned it on. As we talk to more and more clients we realize that the problem isn't that they didn't want to back up their data, it's that they didn't know how. In this article, we will evaluate the different means of backing up and securing your data both locally via physical devices and online via data backup services.
Before we begin, let me stress one thing: backing up your data is so much easier and so much cheaper than trying to recover it. Don't put it off!
1) What is a backup?
A backup is a fancy way of saying "a copy of your data." Backing up your data does not have to be any more complicated than copying your data somewhere. On a small scale, back ups can be made of documents that are receiving multiple edits so that you can just go back to a previous version if a new one is unsatisfactory. As a more complete solution, backups can be entire copies of the content on your hard drive.
2) Where can I make backups?
Backups should be made on a medium other than the hard drive your are trying to backup. The reason for this is that if something happens to your hard drive then your backups will also be lost. That's why backups are usually done on a second hard drive or other storage device such as a thumb drive or DVD. There are risks associated with most backup methods: a thumb drive can be lost, an external hard drive can be knocked off the desk or a DVD might get scratched. All of these things must be taken into consideration when choosing what medium to use as a backup device.
Additionally, we must plan for real catastrophes: what if your home office is damaged by a natural event and both your hard drive and backup source are damaged? While it seems like there's a lot to consider, the lessons are simple: use multiple backups and keep them in different places.
Online service providers like Mozy and Carbonite address all the issues of choosing a recovery medium by providing data backup centers that have redundant servers with additional copies of your data. While their basic services are free, both companies charge for higher data usage on a recurring basis.
3) How do I make a backup?
First, you need to choose a medium. Because of size constraints, we recommend using an external hard drive because thumb drives and DVDs are limited by the amount of data they can store. Once you have an external hard drive, simply plug it in to your computer via the usb cable. On most computers, your main hard drive is assigned the letter C: and your external device will be assigned another letter (D:, E:, F:, H: etc...). Select the folders you would like to copy on the C: drive. In most cases, you will be interested in copying your documents, music, pictures, video and desktop folders. So why not grab them all?
On Windows Vista and Windows 7, your user folder can be found at C:\Users\*Your profile*
On Windows XP, the user folder is usually found at C:\Documents and Settings\*Your profile*
Once you have selected the folders you would like to backup, right click on them and click copy. Then, navigate to your external drive by going to Start Menu -> My Computer -> External Drive and paste them there. You can create a new folder called "my backups" or a dated folder such as "07-08-2011 Back up." Voila! You've created your first backup.
Note: copying your entire profile will include copies of other folders such as your application data and local settings folders. This is where programs such as outlook store all of your email or financial data in database formats. To make sure that these folders are also copied, navigate to Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Folder Options -> View -> Select "Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives."
4) Automating the process.
To make sure that you have current backups, we recommend using an automatic backup program to schedule when your backups should occur. These programs will allow you to set a backup schedule and select which folders are backed up and to where. There are many different products that automate backing up. However, we would like to discourage you from using a software that converts your data into proprietary archive files because you will be entirely dependent on that software/company to store and retrieve your data.
In plain English, this means avoiding a program that takes your documents and pictures and stores them as anything other than pictures and documents. Instead of having thousands of pictures, these programs will store them in a few database files such as "data001.fbf, data002.fbf" and you will only be able to open them with that software exclusively! Anti-virus providers are now tying their backup software with their anti virus software. This means you are stuck using their antivirus and paying their fees in order to keep using the back-up components of the program.
We recommend a free and easy to use program called Automatic Backups that can be downloaded from http://automaticbackup.frigerio-ar.com/
Set the frequency of your backups to a daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule. The frequency depends on you. If you cannot afford to lose your day to day work, then set a daily schedule!
5) Online backups.
To further minimize the risk of losing your data, we recommend using an online service to create another copy of your most precious data. Here is a 2011 review of current providers:
http://online-data-backup-review.toptenreviews.com/
The advantage of online backups is that they are generally safer than local backups. Additionally, you can access your data from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. However, they come with a monthly cost!
Taking care of your data backups now will save you a lot of money in the long run and a few stressful trips to a computer repair shop. Don't wait!
Written by Karim Salmi, a computer repair specialist with Maryland based VitalTech.
http://www.vitalpcrepair.com/

Small Businesses and Changes in Business IT Solutions

For small businesses, getting good value for money out of IT and communications systems in vital. While large companies may be able to absorb the costs of an error in judgment when bringing in a new system, or of higher than expected maintenance costs, smaller firms often cannot. Small businesses - especially in the current economic climate - are often living on a financial knife-edge. That can make them resistant to change. However, it's important to remember that sometimes, it's important to keep up with the pace, even if it is unfamiliar, as it can lead to business benefits.
An example of just such a change is the move towards the use of cloud services, rather than standard business IT infrastructure using a server and client model. Cloud computing is perfect for small businesses, as it allows them to avoid expensive physical infrastructure and software that needs to be maintained by specialists, and it helps improve staff productivity. Cloud services are ways of sharing files or data using internet based applications, similar to webmail or social media programs, but more advanced. They allow users to communicate and share in real time and access the system from anywhere, from laptops or smartphones. Because they are not limited by the need to connect to a physical network, staff have more freedom and control over when and how they communicate.
Small businesses without the ability to invest in costly infrastructure will find cloud services affordable. They also don't have to sign up to using them for all their IT, but take on the bits that they want or need. Some businesses might benefit from particular specialist cloud services, such as project management systems or sales software. More generally, every day services such as email and word-processing can be done on a cloud. The initial outlay when buying in these services is generally small, meaning that even the smallest of firms can experiment. They can also save a considerable amount of money. Not only are the day-to-day costs of maintaining IT infrastructure removed, but the costs of dealing with unexpected problems are too. If a server breaks down or is damaged, the costs in terms of repair and potential loss of business and damage to reputation could be considerable. Because services on the cloud are maintained elsewhere, businesses do not have that worry. For a small company, that could be the difference between sinking and swimming, especially when times are tough as they are now.
Next Connex specialise in bespoke data centre solutions, desktop virtualisation & cloud services for businesses throughout the UK, leading the way in the next generation of data storing and connectivity. For more information on the range of services available from Next Connex visit http://www.nextconnex.com/

Data Storage and Recovery Through Cloud Computing

For those that were already familiar with the advantages that cloud services and cloud computing in particular has to offer, it seems like these are a logical technological step. Doubtless they will cut costs by trimming IT overheads but there are many other advantages to the whole system from improved efficiency to greater security when it comes to the question of important data.
The main concern for any organisation is keeping data safe and for an IT manager, disaster recovery systems are vital to the smooth operation of business. The practice of cloud computing fits with this requirement perfectly as the risk of losing data is eradicated by using the 'cloud' or external server. Lengthy and complicated back up procedures become a thing of the past and data in turn becomes completely safe.
As an additional benefit, employees from within the company can access information more easily no matter where they are in the world. Irrespective of whether they are using a PC, laptop or mobile phone to access the internet, company information can be used provided that device is included in the network. With easy access, working becomes streamlined and much easier for the individual employee who doesn't have to pre load information onto their system.
Storing less data on a computer also makes that individual device more productive and reduces the risk of it slowing down or even crashing beyond repair. Heavy files and photographs can be stored on the external server making company equipment more efficient and less prone to issues further down the line.
Lost data is the biggest concern for any individual or organisation but cloud computing deals with all of these issues on a permanent basis. It reduces the need for members of the company to transport sensitive information around on a laptop or portable storage device and that in turn removes any risk of theft which has become more and more commonplace.
Overall, cloud computing provides an all round solution for businesses of all sizes and those that have begun to implement it are reporting advantages across their organisations with no down sides whatsoever.
The system is flexible and highly cost effective and the improved 'up time' alone makes a business run more efficiently. When you add in the additional benefit of security then this really is a revolutionary new form of outsourcing that has pluses for a business right across the board.
Next Connex specialise in bespoke data centre solutions, desktop virtualisation & cloud services for businesses throughout the UK, leading the way in the next generation of data storing and connectivity. For more information on the range of services available from Next Connex visit http://www.nextconnex.com/

How to Store Your Online Files

Storing your files online is one of the easiest ways to make sure that you never lose them. Computers can crash, and if your files are not fully backed up, you run the risk of losing valuable work. When you work with a company that allows you to secure your files online, you have more peace of mind regarding your important media and other types of files.
Many people in particular like to make sure that they keep irreplaceable things, such as photographs, backed up with online programs. When you are choosing an online program to use for storage, make sure that you know exactly what types of files the program is capable of handling and storing.
When you are looking for an online company that will keep your files stored and saved, there are a few things that you should look for to make sure that the company is going to meet your storage needs.
The first thing to look for when you are choosing a company to work with is what type of media you are able to store with their online program. Some of the most popular types of media to store online include word files, pdfs, photographs, music files, video files, excel files, access files, photo shop files, and many other different type of files.
Another thing to watch for when you are choosing a company to work with is how much access you are going to have to the information that you store with the company. Online services should be able to give you twenty-four hour access, seven days a week to any information that you are storing on their online system. If the company that you are looking at working with doesn't give you this type of access, you might consider looking for another company that offers you around the clock access to your information.
Security measures are another concern when you are looking for an electronic document management company. Make sure that your private information is kept secure with the latest technology to encrypt and store your information.
Cost is another factor when you are looking for a company that offers an online program or downloadable software. Make sure you know what the typical industry costs are for programs that let you store your information online, and that you choose to work with a company that offers a competitive price for good and reliable service that will help meet your personal or business needs when it comes to storing your information.

Secure IT Operations With Network Backup Software

In modern IT era, it is of utmost importance to store data in the backup system or make copies of data which may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. Herein, lays the importance of the network backup software that comes as a savior to keep any organization's IT operations up and running even on the event of a system or network crash.
A good network backup software solution is therefore considered to be the key to a first-rate IT framework and subsequently to a successful business set up. Network backup software is deployed to serve two distinct purposes. The primary purpose is to recover data after its loss, be it by data deletion or corruption. And the secondary purpose is to recover data from an earlier time, as per a user-defined data retention policy, typically configured within a backup application for how long copies of data are required. For this purpose, the application needs to work seamlessly with all the users within the network, thereby facilitating smooth running of the IT operations within the network environment.
Managing the backup process and ensuring that the network backup software is working properly to capture the appropriate information from all the workstations is critical to a successful solution. And this can be achieved by setting the correct interval frequency, periodically reviewing retention times and organizing the storage space in the right manner to ensure the reconstitution of a computer system. The storage space needs to be customized as per the requirement of the customer. Again it is essential to find a balance between the backup frequencies and the amount of data to be archived.
In recent times remote backup solution has been seen gaining rapid popularity in garnering online backup support for networked environment. Online remote support works like regular data backup software, but with one difference, i.e. online network backup software sends the backup over the Internet or other network connections to respective online backup server offsite instead of sending backups to a tape drive or other media attached to the computer it is backing up. The advantage of using this type of application is that it can be fully automated on a daily basis and is more secure as data are stored in encrypted form and can be read only with user's own password.
Businesses today are highly dependent on organizational data and with such easy options to manage and control them de-risking by choosing optimal network backup software is as indispensable as the data itself. Additionally this kind of modern software ensures that your data is stored in a secured manner and it also facilitates remote access, enabling you to retrieve valuable information whenever required. Therefore let's get rid of all your mind barriers and choose a solution which lets you sleep in peace!
Jenifer Sahn, Expert in writing articles based on services like Data center Texas, Online remote support, network backup software, Technical support services, and Remote backup solution.

How to Recover a Lost Password in Microsoft Outlook 2010

The article intends to help users recover their Outlook 2010 password that they may forgotten or have lost due to accident deletion or corrupt Outlook.pst password file. The methods explained in this article are reliable and simple enough to perform. However, it is to be noted that success or failure of any method entirely depends on how correctly you follow and implement the instructions.
Microsoft Outlook 2010 has many inbuilt features like data recovery through.pst files that store all the Outlook information including emails, drafts, deleted items, contacts, and calendar entries among others. There is an individual.pst file for each Outlook folder like inbox.pst, sent items.pst, drafts.pst, and outbox.pst among others. Below are the instructions that will educate you on password recovery.
Instructions:
You cannot recover your Outlook password when it is lost or forgotten. You will have to contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to get your Outlook password reset. Once you have your password reset, update your Outlook email account to gain access to your Outlook information.
You can gain access to your Outlook information from the Outlook.pst files. These files are used by Outlook to store all your Outlook data including emails, drafts, contacts, calendar entries etc. Locate the.pst file(s) by going into the Control Panel and double clicking on Mail (if you don't see Mail, then click on Switch to Classic View). Click on the Data Files button, click on the file path (it would read like Mailbox - John Smith.....), and then click on the Open Folder option. Locate the.pst file and double click to open it to retrieve your Outlook information. It is to be noted that the.pst file(s) will only help you gain access to your emails etc. but not the password.
If you have password protected your.pst file(s) and have forgotten their password, then use this little tweak to release their password. Click on the Start menu and go to Run. When the Run window opens, type 'pst19upg.exe -i filename.psx' (as it is and without quotes), and hit Enter on the keyboard. This will release the password of the protected.pst files and enable you to access your Outlook information.
If Outlook is not accepting your password and the password you are entering is correct, then try this tweak. Disable unnecessary add-ins by going into the Outlook, clicking on the File tab at the top, and selecting Options. Click on the Trust Center, select Add-ins, select COM Add-ins next to the Manage List, and then click on the Go button. When the COM Add-ins window opens, remove check marks from the boxes next to the add-ins you want to disable, and then click on OK. Close Trust Center window, close Outlook, and then reopen it.
Start Outlook in the Safe mode. Click on the Start menu, go to Run, type 'outlook.exe /safe' (without quotes and as is) in the open box, and hit Enter on the keyboard. This will start Outlook without any third party service and/or programs such as antivirus, firewalls, or add-ins etc. other than Microsoft's. If Outlook runs fine, then some third party program is causing the issue. You must contact your program vendor for the support.
You can also download and install a free or paid Outlook password recovery tool from trusted websites. Save the file and run it to recover your password. However, there is a drawback to this method. If you somehow downloaded a fake recovery tool from an illegal website, then you stand to the risk of losing your critical information.
Additional Tips:
When typing password, you must ensure that the caps lock on the keyboard is off (until you have a capital letter in your password). If it is on, then put it off. Generally, most of the ISPs do not require email passwords to contain capital letters. Some ISPs mandate the combination of uppercase and lowercase letter in email passwords.
You must also write down your password on a piece of paper and keep it at the safest place where you can collect it from in case you forget your password. You can also save your password in the Drafts folder in Outlook. This will help recover your password through the drafts.pst file that you can gain access to using the above-mentioned method.
It is best to memorize your password in order to avoid losing it. We know that it is not possible as every user has so many passwords such as ATM, credit card etc. to remember that things like forgetting password happen easily. However, if you can, it will be well and good.
V tech-squad Inc. is the leading third-party service provider of certified online technical support services. Our top-class services include Microsoft product support, antivirus issues, malware issues, spyware issues, wireless router issues, printer issues, and non-computer devices etc. If you are facing problem with your Microsoft Outlook Setup and Configuration, You can reach V tech-squad online technical support at their Toll Free No +1-877-452-9201 For US/CA.US/CA.

Protecting Your Business With Exchange Backup

In a world where data makes the world go round, you cannot be too careful when it comes to securing your data. This is particularly true for a lot of businesses. Though exchange backup may be costly, this should not deter you employing its use. The truth is that you are vulnerable to lose a lot more without it. Just like an insurance cover, exchange backup will not be appreciated until unfortunate events unravel, putting your whole business at risk of extinction.
Clients prefer service providers who are able to meet their needs consistently. You may think that you have the best clients, but wait until you start telling them about your recent stroke of bad luck. They will be out the door before you can even begin to ask them to be patient. There is always an alternative service provider that is just waiting for such a disaster to claim the prize - your clients. Protect your data with exchange backup, and your clients will be none the wiser when you are up and running the following day.
Full backup is meant to protect your whole directory. With this kind of backup, all log files and databases are saved, thus protecting even the least important of our data. The backup is set up once and is good to go. However, it is also important to regularly check your back up system to ensure that it is still running. If you don't understand the details of the same, make sure you consult an expert. It would be unfortunate if you were to one day require your exchange backup only to discover that it hasn't been doing its job.
A good exchange backup should be located offsite. This is to increase your level of security. This would mean that even if the computer system were to crash, you would still have your data intact. In addition, the ability to manage the backup off-site will also prove profitable for you, as you can make your checks every now and then without much trouble.
For a large network, you should look for an exchange backup application that has the ability to save not only documents, but also settings and preferences as well. These may be very important if you have to start from scratch, and will save you a lot of time. This may well determine the amount of time it will take to get you back in business, and your competition will be using every moment to get ahead of you.
An easy-to-use exchange backup is always preferable. When it comes to software, complex doesn't always mean functional. In addition, you should also go for one that makes recovery easy. Some exchange backup software take incredibly long to recover, and as mentioned before, it is always those loose moments that will have you making losses and losing clients.
With the right kind of exchange backup, you should be insured against any unfortunate events that may occur. In addition, your business is guaranteed to thrive when you can give your clients the reliability that they demand with exchange backup.