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Data Backup & Configuration Imaging:
BACKUP YOUR DATA! The effort and time you spend producing and downloading files that are important to you have monetary value; it would cost you valuable time and effort to re-create them, assuming that it is possible! These files, stored on your system hard disk drive, are always at risk of loss. The list of possible causes for this loss is long - the most obvious is simple mechanical failure of your hard drive.
You should make at least one duplicate copy of your files, and store it in a safe location. I am NOT talking about a printout copy of a file or document - that is not a true backup! You should update this backup storage on a regular basis, to duplicate new work product, and to duplicate revisions to existing work product. You should test your backup method on a regular basis to verify that you are successfully duplicating your files.
There are many methods to backup data. For valuable data, wise computer users employ multiple methods that may seem redundant, but which further reduce the possibility of data loss.
Consider how much time and effort it might cost you to recreate your work product (if it is possible at all). In comparison, the cost to implement a data backup method and procedures is probably negligible if you use your computer regularly.
Call us anytime to discuss data security issues, and to help you choose and implement a Data Backup plan, or to review your existing backup methods and procedures.
IMAGE YOUR CONFIGURATION! The effort and time you spend configuring your system and installing and configuring your software applications have monetary value; it would undoubtedly cost you to re-establish them! Your system configuration is always at risk. Software corruption, viruses or spyware attacks, and hardware failure are all possible causes for the loss of your system configuration.
By now, many computer users are familiar with System Recovery disks, CD's provided by some computer manufacturers which enable you to wipe your system clean, and then return it to the pristine state that it was in when it was first shipped to you.
System Recovery disks are a valuable tool for systems that have serious software problems, or for systems that have had a hard drive fail and need a replacement drive installed.
Configuration Imaging Software (such as Symantec's Norton Ghost) can be used to create your own system recovery method. This software can also be re-used to make an updated system image after you make changes or additions to your system, such as installing new software applications.
Having a recently created image of your system configuration available makes it much easier, faster, and therefore less expensive to recover from serious system faults, such as a virus attack, hard drive failure, or spyware or software corruption.
We would be very happy to help you implement configuration imaging for your computer. Call us with your questions!