Posted by Jon Deliz on Mon, Sep 06, 2010 @ 11:00 AM
I don't know how everybody else is doing it, but I always seem to need documents or files that I don't have with me. I'm constantly emailing the same document or file to myself, or worse carrying files on a flash drive that ALWAYS gets lost in the bottom of my bag. Better yet, how about leaving the thumb drive still connected in the computer? I know I'm not the only one that's done that!
One day I read this article about a program called Dropbox,
which had just released an Iphone app, and was free to try. Free is always a good thing, and free here means 2 GB of storage, which is perfect for anything I might currently need. I downloaded the app for my Iphone which means I don't use the my phone's hard drive for storage-another plus. I can install Dropbox on any of my computers or even access it from the web. Since it is in "the cloud", it's backed up automatically and as along as i have an internet connection I have access to whatever files I need. I can also share documents within dropbox by creating a public link. No more emailing, no more using the wrong file because I didn't see that there was another version sitting in my inbox. (sometimes I forget my glasses!)
This is just an example of what Dropbox and virtual storage can do for you. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Posted by Jon Deliz on Fri, Apr 09, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
When you get behind the wheel of a car, it should be an automatic instinct to fasten your seatbelt. All laws aside, it's simply the smart thing to do and can protect you should you ever be in an auto accident. But what about being safe when you sit down in front of your computer? Today's machines don't come outfitted with seatbelts and air bags, so how can you protect yourself when navigating the highways of the internet?
There is an endless array of malicious and harmful programs, such as viruses, adware and spyware that can infect your computer, leading to system failure, costly repairs and even identity theft. But there are simple, tried-and-true methods that you can incorporate into your daily computing practices that can prevent disaster. So fasten your seatbelts and let's take a drive through the world of Safe Computing!
You wouldn't buy a house that doesn't have locks on the doors, so you should want the same level of security for your computer. Anti-virus software should be installed and virus definitions should be kept up-to-date. Virus scans should be performed on any file you download externally from the internet, whether it's from a website or an e-mail attachment.
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That link you received for Grandma's famous cookie recipe? Scan it.
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That spreadsheet your boss sent you last minute?
Scan it.
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No matter what it is, if it's going to be downloaded to your computer, scan it!
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Never open any kind of e-mail or attachment from someone you don't recognize, or weren't expecting to receive.
Viruses come in all varieties, and some of the more nefarious ones don't even require you to open the attachment...merely opening the e-mail itself can cause irreparable harm to your system. 
If your e-mail inbox is anything like mine, it can seem a daunting task to sort through the massive amounts of ads, spam and chain-letters. While spam filters do their best to catch the garbage, some is still bound to seep through. While it might be tempting to click on the link that promises you've just become an instant millionaire if you only send them your bank account number for them to wire the funds to, keep in mind the old adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
But what about those e-mails that appear to be legitimate? Perhaps something from your bank, credit card company or shipping service. Keep in mind that legitimate organizations will never ask you for sensitive information, such as username, password or account details. In today's fast-paced society, it can be easy to overlook something based on the appearance of legitimacy. If you receive an e-mail from a reputable company, such as your banking institution, and you question its validity, don't hesitate to contact the company directly for additional information.
Your identity and personal information should be kept secure at all times. When surfing the web, sometimes it can be difficult to know what a "bad" website is. If you are unsure about a website, then it's probably a safe bet to avoid it. Also, pay special attention to websites that you will be entering in any private information, such as personal data or credit card details. Make sure, before you input any information that you are on a secure website. Secure websites can be easily identified in the address bar, as they will begin with "https". This means that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted via a secure channel.
Practicing Safe Computing doesn't have to consume your time or detract from the sheer enjoyment of surfing the web. By keeping your virus definitions up-to-date, performing safe and smart e-mail operations, and completing routine monthly system scans, you can protect yourself from many of the dangers that lurk in cyberspace. The internet is a big place; chock full of every type of information possible. There is a world of data waiting at your fingertips, but before you venture out into the open, make sure that you protect yourself with good virus protection, so that your experience is one of satisfaction, not frustration!
If you would like to download free the latest security report please click here.
Posted by Jon Deliz on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 09:55 AM
How many times have you done something on your computer and wished that you could go back in time and do something different? Well I am going to introduce you to some free versions and some not so free versions that can save you time, effort and most importantly money!
Ok so let’s start with something free, easy, and probably already installed on your computer. System Restore is an easy fix for anybody who has installed something or has had a virus affect their computer. System Restore is found by clicking your start button; then either Programs or All Programs (depending on which version of
Windows you are running); Accessories; System Tools and there you should see System Restore. Now just follow the onscreen prompts and select a date (if it is a virus I would select the last known date the computer actually worked). There are some important things to consider: 1.) System Restore can only work if it is turned on, or hasn’t been disabled by a virus. The settings for System Restore can be found in the control panel under System and then click the System Restore tab. 2.) System Restore is only for the Window’s Operating System, so if your Excel spreadsheet doesn’t work then this won’t fix it! (I will be referring to a product that will below). 3.)
Also System Restore won’t affect files that aren’t part of the OS, so your documents, pictures, and emails are all safe.
Another free program to check out is if you have purchased an external hard drive, not a flash key or thumb drive. Most of the drives come preloaded with software that will do a backup of your documents. Although there are far too many preloaded software packages to mention in this article, feel free to contact DataCentric, as your Atlanta computer support specialist, so we can help you get setup and backing up correctly. Don't forget to ask about our online data backup solutions which will be covered in Part 2!
Posted by Joe Sgroe on Tue, Nov 03, 2009 @ 09:13 AM
Are you backing up your data?
Really? Be honest. How often do you check to see if the backup really works? And what about your employees? Are you sure that all your company data is being protected, even of the employee leaves the company?
Protecting the information on your computer(s) - both at work and at home - should be routine but it's amazing how many companies - and people - give only passing thought to their data protection process until a crises occurs.
"30 percent of small businesses admit they have no formal data backup and storage procedures, or do not implement their procedures consistently." According to an Imation Small Business Backup survey.
And that's the issue - you need a data backup system that does the thinking for you (most of the time).
Have you heard about on-line data backup? It's a relatively new option for secure data backups, but by no means bleeding edge. Whether you are thinking of using online backup at work or at home, the advantages of online backup are clear:
Online data backup ensures that you never have to worry about physical loss of your data - to hard drive crashes, viruses, accidental or intentionally erasing data, theft or even natural disasters.
Online backup protects your data in a secure, offsite location. So no one has to remember (and therefore can possibly forget) and if your location burns or floods, your data is still safe. and therefore does not require anyone taking the data to another location at the end of each day as is common practice with traditional backup methods
So while the benefits may be clear, choosing the right data backup provider may not be. Balancing cost, ease of use and reliability is the goal, but the equation may be different for different people, and different businesses.
Here are my top 10 questions to consider when preparing for and selecting the right online data backup service:
Do you feel knowledgeable enough to set up and manage the data backup on your own? Does the company offer live, real-time customer service both before and after the sale? Or is support primarily offered is through Forums, Q&A, and email support?
Which files you should back up? Make a written list of all things you would not want to be without. Think beyond your documents and photos, what about your emails, data from your key programs like your online financial and tax services? What about your system files and settings?
Do you know how to locate and select the all the files on your computer? Microsoft Windows hides a lot of file to help protect Joe Schmo from messing up his computer. But because things are hidden, you may need help finding all the data you really should back up. For instance, if you use Outlook, do you know how to select and configure your .pst file(s)?
Can a snapshot of the data be sent to the service provider? If you have a large amount of data on your servers, it won't be practical to upload it - so if the service provider only offers on-line uploads, even for the initial set-up, you should keep looking.
Can you use your computer while backups are running? How much will it slow down or disable your system during backups?
Can you schedule your backup to run when you want it to run, not when the software thinks it's a good time to run?
Are you notified when backups fail to occur? If so, how? Email? Phone calls?
Can you restore files back to a prior version? This means that they system keep a certian number of back copies of your dtaa - so if you want to restore a file or a document from say, 3 weeks ago ( before you made that change to a document that you now don't want to use), - you cna. It's sort of like document verison control - though you'll want to find out how far back they go.
Do you have servers running open files (i.e. Exchange)? If so, pay close attention to how the service handles this type of file backup. Many services say they do it - but many don't do it well.
Does the system support regulatory compliance requirements, i.e. FINRA, SEC, HIPPA etc...?
If you're really technically savvy, you may feel comfortable handling the download, install and configuration the service on your own. If not, you'll want to select a service that provides more help through the process. The same is true when you need to retrieve your data - if you're not a techie, you might not be comfortable restoring your system on your own. Look for a company that provides setup assistance, sometimes you have to pay for this, but it is well worth it. The technician will ask the questions that you might not think yourself and help ensure you're really protected.
If your business needs to protect both employee laptops and centralized servers, you'll also want to consider the system's ability to support all your file types and provide a console for management and reporting across all your assets.
Using online data
backup is a great way to protect your data - without the hassles and problems
associated with traditional backup methods of external hard drives, tapes and
jump drives.
When it comes to selecting the right service -
it comes down to one essential - chose a service provider you can trust.
Trust
to set it up correctly.
Trust
to monitor and ensure it's running consistently.
And
trust to restoring your data when and where you need it.
If they don't meet
these three criteria of trust, then don't do it.
If they offer a great
price but you can't talk to them, then don't do it.
If they are really
nice guys but you're not sure about their system, then don't do it.
If it's prepackaged
with other services and they aren't experts in data backup, then don't do it.
It's your data - and in many cases - your business
livelihood. A little bit of up front
investigation will help you select the best service for you and prevent major
problems later.
It’s your data – and in many cases – your business livelihood. A little bit of up front investigation will help you select the best service for you and prevent major problems later.