One backup method- TrueImage software

Continuing on the topic of backups, we are going to look at one of our favorite backup methods. That is, using imaging software, such as Acronis TrueImage, to do a system backup.

Here's how it works- you need to purchase and install an imaging package like TrueImage and configure it to perform a backup. Most will allow you to choose to backup selected files/folders or do a backup of an entire drive or drives. The biggest strength to this method is the ability to backup the entire system- including data, settings and programs. In the event of a hard drive failure, your entire system could be back up and running within minutes of replacing the drive.

Backups using this method could be stored on an external hard drive or network location, as well as on a secondary hard drive. Off-site backups are not practical when doing a complete system backup with imaging software. So, the downside to this method is the fact that it takes some extra work to have an off-site backup- we recommend using multiple external drives, with one being kept off-site for the ultimate level of reliability.

These software programs also allow you to create automated backups- for example, backing up certain files or your entire system every night so you don't need to think about it. Because of this, the speedy recovery and ability to perform a backup, imaging software is an excellent backup option for most people.

Surge Protectors & Backup Revisted

In our most recent company newsletter, we discussed the importance of having recent surge protectors, as they are only designed to last 1-2 years. Unfortunately, I received a call yesterday from someone who did not know this fact and had a computer damaged during yesterday's electrical storm. The computer was connected to an older surge protector. So, that is a real-world example of how older surge protectors may not be doing us much good during storms and other surges.

So, the prudent thing to do is to replace your surge protectors each year. When purchasing new ones, look for ones from a reputable company that clearly state that they are surge protectors. Many companies produce power strips that look like a surge protector, but actually do not offer any surge protection. You want to stay away from these when connecting computers and other electronic devices. You can many times save money by purchasing several surge strips together online, as opposed to visiting one of the big electronic retailers.

Of course, the other key practice that I can't stress enough is backing up. Even in the event of a power surge or other failure, if your critical data is backed up, then it can be recovered. A good backup strategy is absolutely critical in today's business world, with the amount that we depend on our data.

There are many great tools available for performing backups and we will be reviewing some different services and products in the coming entries. So, stay tuned!

Best Mobile Devices for Business

The Apple iPhone has done a great job in raising awareness of mobile devices and smart phones. Of course, there have been many others around before the iPhone, but it has certainly attracted more attention. But, the question is, which models are best suited to use in a business environment?

The answer to this question depends somewhat on your situation. Many organizations are using a Microsoft Exchange server to centrally manage e-mail, calendar, etc. For a company using Exchange, a Windows mobile device would be an excellent solution, offering the best level of synchronization. The latest iPhone also offers Exchange connectivity, so it also would work within an Exchange environment. Blackberry devices require additional software in order to synchronize with Exchange. Palm-based devices seem to have the most trouble connecting with Exchange and therefore, would not be the best option for this situation.

For non-Exchange companies, the options are a a little less clear. The Blackberry offers the best e-mail capabilities, but fall short of the iPhone in its multimedia capability. Windows mobile 6 devices now include mobile versions of Word and Excel, which is a nice added bonus.

So, my summary:

Best for Exchange- Windows Mobile
Best for E-mail- Blackberry
Best for Multimedia- iPhone

As always, we welcome your comments and feedback.

Windows XP Service Pack 3

In the past few weeks, Microsoft has begun rolling out Service Pack 3 during automatic updates. You may have noticed this, as it takes a lot longer than the typical updates that are installed. You may be tempted to cancel and put it off, however, this is an important one to install.

SP3 contains over 1000 individual fixes and security patches for Windows. Simply put, it is years worth of fixes all put together in one package. So, it's important to get this one. If automatic update doesn't get it for you, you can always go to Windows Update (on your programs menu) and choose to install it that way.

We consider this to be such an important update that before we install or rebuild any computers with XP, we are installing SP3 here in our shop.

And, if you don't already have automatic updates installed, please do so. Having an unpatched operating system is one of the best ways to fall victim to hackers, malware and other online threats.

The Risk of Older Computers

In the small business world, it is critical to maximize the usage of company resources and computers are no exception. So, many small business owners aim to keep computers as long as they remain useful. This can be a great way to cut costs and get the most out of your investment, but can also pose a potential security risk.

This risk is brought on by having computers prior to Windows XP on your company's network. XP and Vista have significantly better security than prior version of Windows and as a result, are less likely to be compromised by hackers or malware. Pre-XP computers, on the other hand, don't have the level of security that XP and Vista do, and therefore present a weak spot in your network security.

Does this mean to immediately upgrade all old computers? Not necessarily. Computers that are running Windows 2000 can be secured better through the use of a firewall and good security software. Anything prior to 2000 should be upgraded sooner rather than later. But, older computers that are running Windows XP can still be great functional business machines, so most companies don't need to rush out to upgrade to Vista, even though it does boast some security improvements.

One other concern with older computers is the protection status of your security software. It can be easy to forget to update protection, but that can be a costly oversight. So, make sure you keep that software updated and replace the security software on older systems if necessary.

Please let us know if you have any questions and we'll be happy to help out as best we can!