a few tips for backup, archiving, and power management

After employees, the next most valuable item in your office is your data.  The blood, sweat and tears of all your toil.  Unfortunately, it's not a question of "if" your computer will crash, but "when".  Regardless of whether you use Windows 7, OS X, or Linux, heare are three universal steps you can take today to minimize your technology headaches tomorrow.

Data Backup
Data backup used to involve awkward expensive SCSI tape drives.  Now it's much easier to maintain a backup with external hard drives.  One popular brand is Western Digital.  Western Digital's MyBook drives also include software to automate the entire backup process.  Don't forget to buy two hard drives.  This way you can keep one in the office and the other off site (in case of theft, fire, or other disaster).  You can either rotate your drives on a dailty or weekly basis.

Battery Backup
Although you may think a power strip can protect your computer, think again.  In addition to power spikes, many hard drives are damaged by "brown outs".  This is when the flow of electricity dips below the optimum range for your computer.  Your best best is to purchase a battery backup.  A popular barnd is APC and usually ranges from $80 to $120.  Also, remember to only plug your computer, monitor and external drive into your backup.

Archiving
Long term it's important to burn older data onto DVD or Blu-ray discs.  You will want to burn at least 2 copies since disc media can be lost or damaged.  Also remember to keep one set off site.

If you have any IT questions, you can contact Kevin Livingston at kevin(at)toshconsulting(dot)com.