The Little Geeni

Do you backup your data? I know many of you probably do, as you should. Data loss can ruin your business, and cause untold heartache when losing precious photos and personal information. How do I know this? A few years ago, (late 1990′s) I suffered a complete, unrecoverable, hard drive failure on one of my primary computers. Luckily, I wasn’t nearly as “digital’ back then, and had most of my important data “backed up” in hard copy.

The data loss I suffered from that hard drive failure was still very inconvenient. I spent weeks trying to replace everything I had lost, but still ended up missing quite a few very important items that I simply could not reproduce. I had several digital recordings of friends, and family members, pictures, documents, licenses, software etc. that were gone forever. After piecing my life back together over the course of those next several weeks and months, I vowed to myself that I would never endure such a thing again.

My data backup routine has undergone several revisions over the years, to the point that I felt very comfortable with my current situation. I have had data loss issues that this system has saved me from, but with the amount of data I have these days, both business and personal, any data loss would be disastrous. I currently have in place, three redundant backup systems, including dedicated file servers, and very large external drive systems in a complicated array, fire-walled, locked down, and automatic, which provides a nice feeling of security.

That sense of security has helped me sleep well at night for several years. I didn’t know of anyone, this side of a major corporation, which had a better backup system in place. I have been in and around IT industry for years, and it would scare you to see how some fairly large businesses treat their backup systems.

I have seen more than one go out of business due to data loss. As a matter of fact, statistically, one in two businesses fail, following a catastrophic data loss. The costs of reproducing/recovering data are so high, (basic recovery starts around $3000 and increases exponentially with the amount of data to be restored) if it’s even possible, that most simply can’t afford it. Aside from that, without your data you are effectively out of business until that data is replaced.

So, what am I leading up to? Did I suffer a recent catastrophic data loss? Thankfully, the answer to that question is no. But, even with my overkill backup plan I still hadn’t accounted for one thing, and a very large thing indeed. All of my data was still stored on-site! What finally shook me from my false sense of security?

The weather! That’s right, the weather. The weather has been incredibly crazy lately, with tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. You name it. I read a story recently about a Dentist whose office was hit by a tornado. His hard-copy files and X-Rays, were found as far as 150 miles away. His electronic records are gone forever. He’s one of the unfortunate one’s whose business is gone with it. He didn’t have a data backup plan, and everything he worked for was wiped out in an instant. Aside from the weather, my next greatest concern is fire. Even with my system, it is unlikely that any data would be recoverable in the event of fire. Would yours?

My sense of security has been false, my data not nearly as safe as I would like to have believed. Anything can happen, human error, software failure, theft, sabotage, fire, and flood. It does happen. It is not a matter of if, it’s when. Statistically, on average at least once in 3 years, you will undergo an event which results in some from of data loss. Hardware failure ranks very high in that scenario as well. I decided I won’t let it happen to me. That’s why I recently decided that along with my on-site backups, I will also be performing off-site backups as well using an online backup service.

If you would like to learn more about online data backup, and receive a tremendous 30 day trial of an online backup service, completely free of charge, please visit Remote Data Backups.

Backup Backup, Data, Online

For any type of business, whether it’s a retail store or a large investment firm, computer data matters. In fact, in our technologically evolving world computer data is more important than ever. Without our computers many businesses would simply fail to run. The problem comes in when businesses fail to properly secure and backup their important files (and many of them don’t).

Since computers are machines, there comes a time when they do fail. As it pertains to business, the loss of data due to hardware failure, misplaced files, viruses, or a plethora of other reasons costs enterprise millions of dollars each year.

The simple truth is that having a plan in place, and implementing that plan, is all it takes to prevent the possible costs of losing important enterprise data.

THE PROBLEM CREATED BY POOR BACKUP HABITS

As an example of what happens when a business loses important data, let’s look at a hard drive failure.

This is a common reason for data loss. A hard disk contains a series of circular plates that all spin inside the disk assembly. Data is written and retrieved using a disk head. These wafer-thin disks turn at speeds of up to 10,000rpm. With this fast movement, and the other mechanical parts inside the disk, it isn’t uncommon for the disk head to crash; leaving your data inside, and many times damaging the data stored on those disks.

The big cost comes in when it comes time to recover that data. A disaster recovery center must take apart the assembly, recover the data from each disk plate, and then transfer that data to a different media. The cost to have data recovered from a single $50 hard drive often runs into thousands of dollars, and many times not all of the lost files can be recovered.

That is just one example of how data is lost. Human error is actually the most common problem, behind that comes computer viruses, hardware failure, software error, data theft, and many other reasons. Since we know that our data is important, with a list of problems that large, it’s surprising that many businesses don’t take data loss seriously.

DISASTER RECOVERY USING DATA BACKUP

The right way to ensure that computer files stay safe is with regular backups. Simply saving a copy of important files is a start. With a copy of a PC’s most important files copied to a different media (or different PC) disaster recovery then becomes copying them back when the problem is fixed.

With such a simple concept, there should never be a reason for disaster recovery services to even exist. Unfortunately however they do, and it isn’t because backing up data is difficult or expensive. It isn’t even time consuming like it used to be.

COST EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR DATA BACKUP

For the business that has just one or two PC’s that house important data, the backup features included with Windows XP, or Windows Vista are usually adequate. This simple built-in function allows a user to backup all personal files with a few clicks of the mouse. It can backup to CD/DVD media, to a USB drive, or even to another hard drive. When a business has more than a couple PC’s though, this feature can become cumbersome and time consuming.

When it comes to a larger business setting, the better use is to use software for data backup. There are programs that allow for automatic backup of data across a network. There are even programs, such as our own data backup software, that allow field workers to keep their data secure, and allow for interoffice data integrity. With this type of solution all of a business’s important files are kept on a backup server. Restoring any PC on the network is as simple as a few clicks of the mouse.

The simple truth is that, in the world of business, data integrity matters. Keeping business files secure is often as simple as using a cost effective backup method. If all enterprises would adopt this simple idea, there likely would no longer be a need for disaster recovery services, or the huge expenses associated with those services!

Backup Backup, Data, Disaster, Importance, Integrity, Recovery

In today’s fast moving commercial environment, we all know how reliant we are on computer systems, and more importantly the information contained within them. It is hard to think of the old days, no mobile phones, fax machines, or internet. Manual paper based systems have long since been replaced and the format changed to digital.  With these changes, in real terms hardware costs have reduced dramatically, data storage costs have came down massively – all fuelling the additional use and reliance on our IT systems.

Whilst it is true that a computer system is only as good as the data held within it, most modern systems on the whole are very reliable, but every now and then problems can occur. Data on a computer system is held on a hard drive. This device is a mechanical magnetic device with platters spinning at thousands of revolutions per minute. A mechanical read/write head moves over the platters to retrieve and store information. As the hard drive becomes older, the possibility of failure increases.  What procedures do you have in place in the event of this happening?  Hopefully something other than keeping your fingers crossed!
 
A peer to peer network consists of a number of computers networked together, each working as part of a group, each with their own hard drives containing their own programs and information, but sharing resources and information throughout the group. If one individual computer on the network fails, it may not be a disaster, but it certainly could be an inconvenience if data contained within it is lost.
 
A client server network has a central file server containing the most important programs and data, with clients or workstations requesting information from the central server. Due to the nature of this network structure, backup considerations are paramount. If data failure occurs on this network file server, then all users stop working. In real terms, this type of operation and its reliance is similar to a company that runs on a standalone computer, obviously in bigger terms. If the main computer or server goes down, the computing resource goes down.
 
There are many different options for data backup available. Choosing the correct backup system can make a massive difference in determining what happens should a data problem occur. If you choose the wrong type of backup system, or choose something that is inadequate, then at some point in time headaches and problems are going to occur.
 
3.5″ Floppy Disk Drive
Pretty much a thing of the past, although computers that have been in operation for a number of years may occasionally still use this format for data backup. These disks are pretty much inadequate nowadays, they only store 1.44MB of data and are slow and quite unreliable.
 
CD-RW Disk Drive
Probably the entry level format for data backup. CD’s are very cheap, easily available and can store up to 700MB of data on-board. Handy for backing up a section of data, but due to the size limitation of 700MB, it is unlikely that anyone would ever attempt a full system backup using this format, or even make this their primary backup format.
 
DVD-RW Disk Drive
Very similar to CD-RW and also very cheap, but using DVD’s instead, giving much increased capacity, with standard DVD’s coping with 4.7GB of data. Double layer disks store up to 8.5GB and again are a cheap option.
 
USB Data Key
Simple small key drives which fit into USB ports to give a temporary extra drive; these are very handy and portable with sizes up to 32GB available now.
 
Tape Drive
Travan drives, Micro-DV Tape and DAT are the most common. Travan drives are slower with less storage capability. DAT tapes come in a couple of sizes - 4mm and 8mm tapes which store up to 40GB. On the whole, DAT drives are reliable, but care must be taken to rotate backup tapes and keep the drive clean. With this format being mechanical in nature, along with other storage devices, they can fail as they become older or through extensive use. Because they tend only to be installed on the central file server, care must be taken across the rest of the network to make sure any locally stored data on workstations is additionally backed up if necessary.

Online Secure Backup  With the introduction of high-speed internet technology, it has become increasingly popular for companies to store data remotely. A piece of software is added to the system which is configured by the administrator to backup certain files. These files are securely encrypted and the online backup system then sends the data over the internet to secure remote data centres. Instead of expensive drives and multiple tapes needing to be added to a system, and an operator being responsible for changing daily tapes and organising a routine, the online backup system automatically sends the information at pre-determined times. This eliminates the chance of operator error and sends logs confirming successful operation, or if any errors have occurred. Costs are normally charged on a backup size basis, and tend to be very competitive. Because the system is software driven as opposed to hardware, it is very easy to integrate multiple systems, and can include laptops, remote workers, and external hard drives. Physical security issues, operator mistakes, and device failures are greatly reduced with this method, there are no tapes to remove off site, and restoration of data is fast and easy – whether a single file or a complete system recovery. If you are considering updating computer systems, or looking at your overall data disaster recovery plan, then online backup should certainly be a consideration.

Backup Backup, Data, Local, Online, Options, Storage

I don’t know of a single medical practice that does not perform some kind of data backup or save information on some medium. The correct choice often goes unnoticed, but the incorrect backup selection can lead to many issues. So what are some of the challenges you may face in a data storage environment?

• Traditional data backup is time consuming, intrusive and unreliable. Mission critical medical data and information can only be backed up into whatever time is available, usually during off hours or weekends.

• Data restore is especially critical and must be fast and reliable. The backup process is usually uneventful, but the quality of data retention will not be known until someone needs the data right now. Did you know that 50% of tape back ups fail to properly restore data, and tape failures were often caused by human error.

Now there is a more effective solution; a “managed offsite” backup solution which securely backs up all of your network data. Backup is accomplished directly to an offsite secure vault. With this system:

• there are no time-consuming manual programs;

• no tapes to manage or store;

• no expensive tape hardware to maintain;

• backup more often to minimize data loss between runs;

• and quick recovery lost data.

Further, an offsite data back up system is cost effective because you only pay for the total aggregate amount of data protected—no matter how many servers, personal computers and laptops you are protecting. Typically pricing is based on gigabytes of data backup on a per month basis; and usually the more you store the lower the price per gigabyte.

If a practice is heavily invested in a current backup system, one should consider a migration strategy that begins with the back up of practice management or EMR data to an offsite vault. As the current backup system becomes obsolete, one can move additional data offsite.

In the final analysis, as with everything, not all offsite backup solutions are created equal. When a practice is considering an offsite solution, the following key factors need serious examination:

• Fast, easy installation—is there just one software application to install or are you required to install multiple agents to accomplish your backup needs?

• Accountability—can you easily access real-time reports and/or is there email alerts to ensure that you will know your backups were successful?

• Fast and efficient data recovery— is there quick restore capability? And is there an option of having the most recent data backup being stored locally and in the vault?

• Data security—is there advanced security technology that is HIPPA compliant to ensure safety and confidentiality of your data at all times? The minimum is AES 128 bit encryption, but one should consider AES 256 bit encryption.

• Network optimization—is a solution capable of detecting data duplication and block-level incremental backup? Is the data compressed to reduce the amount of data transmitted to a vault?

• Restorability—is there an enabler that ensures that data stored in a vault is restorable? Without this feature, there is no way to confirm data can be restored.

As for implementing an offsite data backup solution, one must first perform an assessment of all medical practice data. The assessment begins with locating the data, then identifying duplicate data to ensure the back up of the right and appropriate data. Depending on the amount and size of data to initially back up, it may be downloaded to an external hard drive, enabling the delivery and uploading to a vault. All subsequent data backup would be completed automatically through a secure Internet connection. And scheduling of the

backup could be throughout the day, at the end of day or as dictated by policy.

In sum, there are many solid data storage solutions. However, the traditional backup method where tapes are used is expensive, time consuming, unreliable and could spell disaster. In fact, 40% of firms that shut down for three days due to a disaster, failed within 36 months as cited in Contingency Planning and Management magazine.

Backup Backup, Challenges, Data, Solutions

People generally do not back up their files because of a certain intimidation that still exists. Files are scattered all over your desktop and throughout your computer. It gets overwhelming to find all these files therefore people do not do anything at all. It’s never too late to start backing up. But what is the best way?  
Your backup storage system needs to protect your data so you would not lose all of your documents, pictures, music, movies, etc.., in the case of an emergency. A small emergency would be your computer crashing. This type of issue is common, and protected by even the most basic backup system.  But what were to happen if your home or business were to be broken into? Or if there was a fire or flood? With larger scale disasters, there is only one way to make sure your data is safe – backing up off-site.
Backing up online is a simple and easy way to do make sure your information is protected. With the right company, online storage and backup can be easy to use, inexpensive, effective, and safe. With the technologic advances that have been made in online security, there is no downside to backing up your files online. For a small monthly or yearly fee, most online backup services allow you to store and update all of your files and documents online. Many systems even do it automatically!
Choosing an online data backup service is extremely important. When choosing and online data backup system, make sure that you choose a company with a solid reputation, evaluate prospects and packages thoroughly, and change providers if needed. By doing this, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your data is protected, no matter what.
Whatever your needs, you should be able to find it – from simple one-pc backups to multiple networks, there are many services available for you, and they are just a click away.

Backup Backup, Best, Data

Data is very important in any business whether it is online or offline. Data stored in your server cannot be lost as it puts a full stop to your business. If you lose data then you have to spend a lot money, time and effort to replace them. In some critical applications it is not even easy to replace the data. Hence a wise decision is to find some ways to retain your data. This is where Back-up comes into picture.

Data back-up is a process in which you save your valuable data to some remote server or in some media which can be used to restore them back when you need it. You may face situations in which you application becomes corrupt or your data file is corrupted. Intentional damage, natural disasters, and hardware failure are some of the other situations which makes your lose your data. During such situations you can use the data that is backed up in your remote server to restore.

A periodic backup is necessary so that you do not lose much data when a contingency occurs. Data backup in web hosting industry is common and is also a must, since they face a lot of contingencies mentioned above. With ever increasing viruses and worms you may not when you will lose your data. Hence taking backup of your data is a must in these days.

Any web hosting account that you purchase also comes up with a comprehensive backup scheme that can be used to backup the important data that you might have in the server. If you have a site that has many users (members), then it is important that you also backup the data of your users also. Under such situations it is better to backup the site data and the users’ data separately so that you can restore which ever you want.

A backup can be incremental or full backup. Full backup is to take a backup of all the data available in the site, whereas the incremental backup is to take a backup of the data that has changed since the last backup. It takes a lot of time and space to take a full backup of your site. Backup is taken usually in the tar format or the .gz format. Taking backups in these formats saves a lot of space and time.

Most of the web hosting services provides a backup plan which could be monthly, weekly, or daily basis. The data thus backed up is stored offline on a secure server. Some services charge you for the backup services provided by them. Some of the hosting providers provide you the necessary tools to take a backup so that you can schedule backup on your own. If your site has critical data then hourly backup can also be sought after. Such exclusive backups are charged by the hosting provider.

Hence taking a backup of the important data and the site is important in the web hosting industry so that the website can be restored in the minimum time with minimum interruption to the users.

Backup Backup, Data, Domains and Hosting, industry

If you are looking the way to make a backup copy of your computer or video games i recommend you the package called Easy backup Wizard. Easy Backup Wizard is a proffessional software that can help you to make backup copy any of your computer or video games. You only need computer, Cd or dvd burner and CopyThatGame software.

Good thing to note about the software is that it work for all consoles: PS3, Xbox360, Wii, Game Cube, PSP, Nitendo Ds, Playstaion, PS 1, Xbox, Dream Cast, Game Boy and Game Boy Advanced.

How long it takes to make a backup copy?

The whole process takes about 2-7 minutes and all you have to do is install the software and fallow the video tutorials.

Another good thing about Easy Backup Wizard is that the copies you’ll make actually work in your system.  Anyone can copy a game, but making it work is another issue. With this systems, you won’t need to worry about it because your copies will work in your system every time. The software has an extremely easy to use interface and all the detailed information is written there.It runs smoothly and you won’t need to worry about DVD scratches anymore. All your games, videos and music will be safe.

Easy Backup wizard is one of the famoust game copy software. The software is not similar to other types because it offers the chance to make a backup copy off videos,movies,music and so on.

If you are looking for more information about Easy Backup Wizard software then CLICK HERE

Thank you for reading!

Computer Games Backup, Computer, Games

Learn how to easily backup your favorite computer games. Do you need copies of your computer games? If so this is the best way to make authentic backups or copies of your favorite games for any of the following consoles, the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360, the PS3, the PSP, the Nintendo DS, the PC and Video DVD as well. This is by far the best way to learn how to properly backup any computer game for without voiding your warranty.

Well We all know how frustrating it can be when you try and play a game on your console, only to find that it’s scratched or damaged from excessive use or from some other reason. This is a problem which affects every CD disc or DVD disc and is caused when the disc spins in the drive. Learn how you can make this problem history by quickly backing up all your favorite games the easy and safe way.

- We supports all major consoles, including the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360, the PS3, the PSP, the Nintendo DS, the PC and  Video DVD as well.

– This backup software is very easy to use, anyone can use this backup system without the need for any technical knowledge or computer skills.

– The backup software does not void the your warranty in any way, on any console or game. Finally a worldwide backup system you can use and not have to worry about any problems down the road with void warranties or expensive modifactions.

– Easily create perfect backup copies of all your favorite games and totally avoid them getting scratched or ruined.

– Also easily learn how to create movies from the video files you have saved on your computer once again you don’t have to be a computer nerd to do any of this backup stuff it is very simple!

To get your hands on the best backup software click here or look for the link in my Author’s Bio Box Below.

Hope You Enjoy!

Computer Games Backup, Computer, Games

There are many ways to backup your computer games. Learning how to backup computer games properly is obviously the right choice to make. This is the best way to make authentic backups or copies of your favorite games for any of the following consoles, the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360, the PS3, the PSP, the Nintendo DS, the PC and Video DVD as well. Learn how you can easily backup any computer game for any kind of computer the safe way without voiding your warranty.

Do you know how frustrating it can be when you try and play a game on your console, only to find that it’s scratched or damaged from excessive use or from some other reason. This is a problem which affects every CD disc or DVD disc and is caused when the disc spins in the drive. Learn how you can make this problem history by quickly backing up all your favorite games the easy and safe way.

- We supports all major consoles, including the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360, the PS3, the PSP, the Nintendo DS, the PC and  Video DVD as well.

– This backup software is very easy to use, anyone can use this backup system without the need for any technical knowledge or computer skills.

– The backup software does not void the your warranty in any way, on any console or game. Finally a worldwide backup system you can use and not have to worry about any problems down the road with void warranties or expensive modifactions.

– Easily create perfect backup copies of all your favorite games and totally avoid them getting scratched or ruined.

– Also easily learn how to create movies from the video files you have saved on your computer once again you don’t have to be a computer nerd to do any of this backup stuff it is very simple!

To get your hands on the best backup software click here or look for the link in my Author’s Bio Box Below.

Hope You Enjoy!

Computer Games Backup, Computer, Games, Learn, Properly

Many computer gamers often want to create backups of their computer games. Backing up computer games can be useful in case the original game discs get damaged or spoilt. If you play alot of computer games, you should consider creating backups of your games if you have not already done so. If you do not know how, there is a software that can backup computer games easily.

computer game discs are quite costly nowadays. This is precisely why it is a good idea to invest in a good computer game backup software. If your game disc gets misplaced or damaged, you can always rely on the backup. Imagine if you went to the store, searched high and low for a hard-to-find game title and bought it, only to have it stolen, spoilt, or lost after that. However, if you had created a backup of that game, you wouldn’t have to worry at all!

It is really easy to backup your games. All you need is a computer game copying software that is able to copy an image of the disc you wish to backup. Most reliable softwares come with a small fee, but in the long-run, it is a much worthwhile investment. It is much more economical to invest in a backup software rather than to pay for a new game disc. However, before buying a game backup software, you should find out if it requires you to buy any additional hardware. Some softwares may require you to have a disc burner while others do not. Easy Backup Wizard is one of the better computer game copying softwares that does not require any additional hardware. (You only need a CD-drive in your computer which every desktop and laptop should have) Of course, you will also require a writable disc on which you want to backup your computer game on.

Once you have the appropriate software, simply start it up and follow the onscreen instructions. The backup process should only take about 10-20 minutes to complete. Backing up computer games is a really easy task that anyone can do with the right computer game copying software.

Computer Games Backup, Computer, Game, Games, Software