Solution Overviews » Security » Backup
Backup
3. Next Steps
The best way to go about settling on a backup strategy is to evaluate how each computer is used in the business. It is best to create a document to keep track of all your computers and some of the vital information. To find how vital a computer is to your business and what a recovery may involve you need to know (1) how many people use it, (2) what programs are used and (3) whether the original software is still available so it can be reinstalled. In general, computers should fall into the following main categories:
| Computer Type | Description | Typical Backup Option |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | A computer that stays in the office or shop and is used for basic office tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, Internet access, etc. This machine may have one or more users. |
Partial or data-only backups are the most common. If an Internet connection is present, then an Internet backup will likely be cheaper and less of a hassle than an in-house solution. |
| Laptop | Computer that may be moved from location to location. Likely used for the same types of tasks as a desktop computer. May have one or more users. |
Partial or data-only backups are the most common. If an Internet connection is present, then an Internet backup will likely be cheaper and less of a hassle than an in-house solution. |
| Server | Likely remains in one location. Probably accessed by multiple users. |
Depending on the business importance, it may be appropriate to perform both disk image and data backups, if a faster restore time will be needed. Servers may also contain more applications that may be difficult to reinstall and reconfigure. In-house implementation is usually the better choice, because Internet backup services are currently more geared towards limited data. RAID is also commonly used on servers to eliminate the possibility of disk failure which reduces your overall risk significantly. An alternative option would be to use a hosted server that includes managed backups. |
| 1. In-House Backup Solution | 2. Internet Backup Service | |
|---|---|---|
Find Local Tech SpecialistsSearch TechShortcut's tech profiles for specialists in your area |
Backup | |
Find More InformationUse Research Helper to find related web articles |
Online Backup Service | |
Examples of Products and ServicesThese are not endorsements, simply some product or service names we encountered in our research to get you started finding your best fit. |
Full/Disk Image Backup
Partial/Data Backup
|
Partial/Data Backup
|
Outside Information
- Wikipedia: Backup
Related Tips
-
Tip 1 - Temporary Options
Any backup is better than no backup. Here are some simple ways to make a copy of files to protect your business data:
Local options
- Use a thumb drive—aka a Flash drive—with capacities into the Gigabytes now
- Use CD's, DVD's, spare hard drives
Internet options
- Make the most of attachments: many Internet services like Yahoo include a briefcase where you can upload files
- Email Attachments: You can always email yourself a file or even a zipped-up folder containing several files.
-
Tip 2 - Central Backup Location for Everyone
If you are trying to back up several machines and driving yourself crazy trying to track down the files, consider letting the users do it for you. Designate a computer or server to be the backup source and give each person a directory. Then, tell each user to copy their files periodically to the server or risk losing data.
-
Tip 3 - Common Directories on Each Computer
If you are trying to help back up several machines it can also help to impose some common standards by creating standard directories e.g. c:\user\word\; c:\user\excel\ so you will not have to guess where user files are located. You will also want to make sure that the preferences for applications are updated to save all types of files in the new directories.
Facts
Causes of Data Loss
Frequency of Occurrence- 44% Hardware or system malfunction
- 32% Human error
- 7% Viruses
- 4% Software program malfunction
- 3% Natural disaster
Source: ONTRACK Data Recovery, Inc., 1995-1996. This data is based on the actual data recoveries performed by ONTRACK.
Case
Garcia Family Law
After a hard drive failed inside one of the Garcia Law practice computers, the company found that it was under prepared for a computer disaster. No installation disks were delivered with the computer and no recovery disks were ever created so the company had no way to restore the original software or data on the computer. Garcia Family Law was faced with ordering installation disks from the computer manufacturer or purchasing a new copy of the operating system and all the software applications they used. Fortunately, the computer's manufacturer could ship out the installation disks for a reasonable price but it would take several days before they would arrive.
On a brighter note, Garcia Family Law did have a copy of the key data, which had been recently copied onto another computer. The data was a few weeks old, but it allowed the company to piece together the missing data and start using another computer while it waited for the software installation disks.
Research Helper
Find relevant information fast
Find Local Tech Help
Glossary
