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Computers are such an integral part of our business
activities. You type in important information, the computer
does the rest. It gives you nice reports, it stores your
invaluable database and you don't give it a second thought.
You should pay special attention to how your data is treated.
It does not matter what industry you are
working in. Chances are you use your computer in some part of
your business. As with everything else in your business you
need to make sure there are safeguards in place to take care of your
valuable information.
If you truly think about it, you may have
original content written for
your website, customer communications, emails that you have been
saving with important instructions and probably the most valuable
of all, your database.
Your database is the most important resource for
constant customer contact. The best advice I ever got was to
backup the data on my computer often. You never know when a power
outage or a virus might hit your computer.
Just think how difficult it would be to
replace your database that may
have taken years to compile. It could take months to recreate
all the lost data and even then, it may not be reproduced in its
entirety. Some data will be lost forever and at that point
can only be found in the great abyss.
Your business insurance, assuming you have a
policy will provide some compensation in the event of a
catastrophe. Backing up data is a form of insurance. Traditional
insurance cant bring precious data back from the grave after a fire
has turned every shred of paper and equipment to ashes. That
is where backups come in.
Backing up your data often is worth its
weight in gold. If
something happens to your equipment, the only thing you have to
replace is the programs on your computer. Your data can then
be retrieved form its storage place.
How you store data and the frequency at which
you perform backups depends upon a couple of factors:
|
How often you enter information
on your computer
|
How valuable the information
is
|
How much information you
store
In summary:
Who
should perform backups?
Everyone who stores valuable data and
documents on their computers should perform backups.
What
does it mean to backup information?
Normally, not every piece of information is
backed up. Programs on your computer can easily be
replaced. Programs such as Microsoft Office or Print Shop can
be repurchased, if necessary and reinstalled. Your concern
will be the documents produced and the data that is generated by
these programs.
When
should you perform backups?
You
should perform backups often. It will depend on the type of
data and the frequency you enter data. Backups in any case
should be performed consistently and often.
Where
should you store backups?
You can use a number of mediums:
|
CDs
|
Zip Drives
|
External Hard Drives
|
Floppy Drives
|
Off Site Storage
One thing to remember is not to keep your
backed up data in the same place as the original data. They
can both be destroyed at the same time if they are together.
Off-site storage is your best
bet. That can be in a sister office, a safety deposit box or
you can take data home with you.
There are now companies that perform what is
called E-Vaulting. The
information on your computer is literally moved automatically to an
off site server.
Weigh all your options when choosing how you
will back up your valuable information. There is no time like
the present to get started. Insure your valued data. Back it
up.
About the Author
Elizabeth Hall, owner of Smart Office Help, Inc., offers ways
for your business to save valuable time and money, by providing
administrative and bookkeeping services to busy business owners.
Contact Elizabeth Hall at 407-884-7755 for your personalized
consultation. Sign up for your FRE*E Business Success Newsletter on
our website http://www.SmartofficeHelp.com.
Follow us @Scopulus_News
Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2006-06-18 23:58:40 in Computer Articles
