Data-Backup

Home Users

Home users can use a CD or DVD ( burn once a month) to backup their address book, e-mail, and My Documents Folder. However, a USB Thumb Drive, or even an External Hard Drive is inexpensive, so that is a better alternative. Typically external hard drives have some form of backup software, to schedule routine backups.

When I talk about backup, remember those wonderful pictures you have on your PC are priceless! Also your e-mail addresses, and even your Favorites are valuable.

Home Office and Small Businesses (less than 10 computer Users)

Many companies I've dealt with have run without any backup. They did this for years, and got away with it. But, the day of reckoning was due, or even came! Guess what! Panic time!! How do they recover! Fortunately, I came up with an answer for data recovery most of the time, but, not always!

We then came up with a backup plan. It might be as simple as the above home users, or a little more complex, such as backing up to a "server", which could be between PC's in the network. But, it was almost always some type of automated data backup plan. In a small office there is usually spare hard drive capacity on one of the PC's, where you can use that space for data backup.

Great Alternative! I use it myself! Copy files to online storage, then you have easy access to a copy of important files, that are safe from even fires or flood!

Small Business (More than 10 computer Users)

When a business gets to this size, they need to be looking at using a server. A server offers a file sharing (and printer sharing) methodology that offers security, data protection and performance that you would have a hard time getting from just using a Peer-to-Peer network, that is commonly used by smaller businesses. I've seen servers being used by a much smaller business, because of their benefits. Servers also have backup software included.

Look at the following links, and see what a server may offer you. They are not cheap, But, at some point in your business life, you will find they are essential. Before you decide to order a server, you need to call a professional for advice.

What is a server?

A server is somewhat like a regular PC, but it differs because of the software installed, and the hardware is designed to run hard drives faster. Read the following links, for more info. Servers offer better backup, more security, and of course more cost!

What is a server? -Wikipedia

Why Use a Server - Microsoft

When to consider a server - understand it

There are alternatives to putting in a local server, such as Virtual hosting.

What is Virtual Hosting?

Virtual Hosting means moving from a model where your file servers are hosted locally, to one where it is hosted remotely on a partitioned virtual server. One of the benefits of virtual hosting, is that the remote host will normally keep the software and hardware up to date for security. Servers do require maintenance! Many companies have gone this route, because of server problems. Servers do get corrupted with malware! An untended server is a common target by the "bad guys!"

Data Backup - from Tech Republic

If you need professional help, see Computer Support