As promised last month I will cover how to effectively protect your data this month.
With the increased use of technology for everyday tasks valuable data is no longer confined to your pictures and cv and now covers a wide range of data you keep for various reasons. Safeguarding this data should be a priority for everyone but this is rarely the case. In most cases, it becomes a priority, only when a serious technical problem occurs or worse when the data is lost.
Three Rules To Safeguard Your Data
Rule 1. The Two Copy Rule
This is a very simple rule and if you implement it then it is virtually impossible for you to actually lose data. The two copy rule states that “must have at least two copies of your data in two different locations.” For the typical user this means keeping a valid up to date backup of your data on any device other than the original device. For example if your photos are on the internet a copy should also exist on your computer. Cloud backup and storage is the current flavour of the month and many software suppliers are touting this as the answer to safeguarding your data. I do not recommend it and in practice, from an Irish internet prospective, it simply is too slow to be usable.
Rule 2. Practice Safe Computing
It’s tempting to download the latest movie or get that song you’ve just heard and it’s even more temping not to have to pay for it. This temptation, if succumbed to, may well cost you your data as the internet sites providing these illegal services are riddled with viruses. Gone are the days when viruses simply made your computer unusable and the modern virus writer is concentrating on obtaining your money. I’ve written numerous articles concerning this so by now you should know better than to use these sites!
Rule 3. Repairs And Maintenance
Regular checks and maintenance are required on any computer and if you get this done early then there is a good chance a qualified technician may spot a problem before information is lost. In the 32 years since I graduated from computer school I’ve repaired countless computers after they have been serviced or fixed by alleged “experts” in computers. I advise you to take the same attitude to your computer that I do with my car and that is if there is a problem I call my trusty qualified and experienced mechanic. This simple rule has never failed me yet, I rest my case on this issue.
Next month I will continue on this topic
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
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