The subject of computer backups has always been a topic of importance when it comes to preserving the data on your computer. These days there are more options available to you in this arena, which can be both a help and a hindrance. On one hand, having more options is helpful because better solutions have been brought to the marketplace from which you can now choose to fit your needs. A hindrance exists in that the multitude of choices might scare off users and cause them to avoid the issue altogether, which can have a disastrous ending.
It does not have to be complicated nor time consuming, so there is no good reason not to tackle backing up your computer.
The Philosophy
We all know that backing up can preserve the information that is stored on your computer, but how far do you take your backup philosophy? It depends on what you can ‘afford’ to lose.
To one computer user, just backing up periodically will suffice. The thought here is that if you lose your data, you can restore it apart from your operating system, and the time that this takes is not a critical consideration. Many home users fall into this category. It makes sense as long as you are not dependent upon your computer for time-sensitive applications and tasks and/or for accessing and retrieving data relative to finances, etc.
To another user this philosophy is not enough. Those who depend on their data and computer for more than just casual personal computing understand that if a hard drive fails, their business is down until they can get it back up and running again. Home users who store irreplaceable photographs and home video on their computers will also fall into this category. A more comprehensive backup plan is recommended to help recover from disasters in a timely fashion.
Computer Backup Options
There are several ways to tackle backups of your important data:
Built-in operating system options. Microsoft Windows operating systems provide built-in back up capabilities that allows you to back up your documents or files onto external media. Beginning with Windows XP and its Automated System Recovery feature, each successive Microsoft desktop operating system includes the capability to help recover your entire hard drive if necessary. These backup solutions are reliable and provide a built-in way for you to back up your data without having to buy an additional program to do so.
Manual copying onto external devices. You can always resort to the old stand-by method of backing up by manually copying your data onto an external hard drive, USB memory stick or other external device such as a recordable CD, DVD or even a floppy drive if you have one. This is cumbersome, but if you do not have a lot of files, it may be an acceptable solution for you. The pitfalls with this method are that if you have multiple files, you have to make sure you get all of them, and you may need numerous target media to save all of your files to.
Online options for backing up over the Internet. The newest option in
computer data backup solutions is provided by online companies that enable backup and restoration of your documents and files over an encrypted high-speed Internet connection to any PC. A small background application backs up and transfers your files to a hosted storage area in a remote datacenter when your computer is idle; however, this is not a comprehensive disaster recovery solution for your entire hard drive. This solution works best when targeted at protecting individual files and documents on a PC or a Mac, and is generally a subscription-based service for which you pay a monthly fee for use.
Making an image of your hard drive. This is a more comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solution generally performed by technically savvy computer users. This option includes using 3rd-party programs to make an image of your entire hard drive, which can then be “re-imaged” in case of catastrophic failure to a new hard drive, providing a hard drive disaster recovery plan. Using this solution, within a short period of time, you can be back up and running with ALL of your documents, settings, programs and EVERYTHING intact, as if the disaster never occurred.
The way to determine the best solution to fit your needs is to ask yourself how soon you need to be back up and running after encountering a disaster, and how much you are willing to pay. If you can wait several days, then a computer back up program might be right for you. If you need your data files immediately, and you have a second computer that you can copy them to, then an online solution might be the best way to go. Or finally, if your business depends upon your computer and its applications and data, then you must have a more comprehensive solution.
Read More .....
Showing posts with label computer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computer. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 May 2009
8 Tips For Securing Your Home Computer
Security is something that everyone has to stay up with nowadays with all the credit card fraud and identity fraud in the news. There are many things that you can do to help keep your computer and your self safe. Follow these 8 steps and you will be better protected against security threats.
Turn off unnecessary processes
There are alot of programs that run in the background of your computer and some of those programs open up ports that can allow a hacker into your computer. By shutting down these programs that are most of the time unnecessary we can eliminate the amount of ports we have open on a computer.
Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware
This one is an absolute necessity for anyone who has a computer that is connected to the internet. An up to date anti-virus anti-malware program can be bought just about anywhere including online. One popular option is Symantec which has a full featured program to cover everything. Some other third party software also works well. Adware Bot and Spy No More - Anti Spyware
Turn on Windows Firewall or install a personal firewall
As was mentioned in tip number 1 we have ports open on our computer that can possibly allow a hacker in. Windows firewall (which comes free with windows) can block these types of ports. You can also purchase a third party firewall program that will help block these ports. There are many third party companies that provide excellent firewall programs. Firewall Gold
Have a router between you and the internet
Some ISP (internet service providers) such as cable allow you to plug into their modem and it gives your computer a public IP address. By installing a router between your ISP modem and your computer you can not only share your internet connection but you are also protecting yourself by not publishing your IP address to the internet.
A simple router is pretty inexpensive depending on the features that you get with it like wireless. Places like Best Buy and Global Computers have these routers.
Disable the computer guest account
The guest account for windows XP Professional is disabled by default but it is always a good idea to check and make sure.
Keep computer up to date with the latest Windows updates and anti-virus definition updates.
Windows workstations need to be constantly update in order to keep them secure. You can go to Windows Updates and get free Microsoft Windows updates.
Virus definition updates need to be purchased from the company
Backup important data
Backuping up data is not really a security item to keep your computer secure but more to keep you secure. Should your computer happen to be hacked or just crash if your data is backed up you will not lose your data.
Only download and install trusted software
One of the most common ways computers get viruses and malware is from software downloaded off of the internet. Certain programs downloaded from unknown sources contain viruses embedded within the program.
The best way to protect yourself against this is to not download software unless it is from a site that is totally trusted.
By following these eight steps you can significantly decrease your risk at being hacked or infected by a virus. The most important thing is to use common sense and you will stay protected. Read More .....
Turn off unnecessary processes
There are alot of programs that run in the background of your computer and some of those programs open up ports that can allow a hacker into your computer. By shutting down these programs that are most of the time unnecessary we can eliminate the amount of ports we have open on a computer.
Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware
This one is an absolute necessity for anyone who has a computer that is connected to the internet. An up to date anti-virus anti-malware program can be bought just about anywhere including online. One popular option is Symantec which has a full featured program to cover everything. Some other third party software also works well. Adware Bot and Spy No More - Anti Spyware
Turn on Windows Firewall or install a personal firewall
As was mentioned in tip number 1 we have ports open on our computer that can possibly allow a hacker in. Windows firewall (which comes free with windows) can block these types of ports. You can also purchase a third party firewall program that will help block these ports. There are many third party companies that provide excellent firewall programs. Firewall Gold
Have a router between you and the internet
Some ISP (internet service providers) such as cable allow you to plug into their modem and it gives your computer a public IP address. By installing a router between your ISP modem and your computer you can not only share your internet connection but you are also protecting yourself by not publishing your IP address to the internet.
A simple router is pretty inexpensive depending on the features that you get with it like wireless. Places like Best Buy and Global Computers have these routers.
Disable the computer guest account
The guest account for windows XP Professional is disabled by default but it is always a good idea to check and make sure.
Keep computer up to date with the latest Windows updates and anti-virus definition updates.
Windows workstations need to be constantly update in order to keep them secure. You can go to Windows Updates and get free Microsoft Windows updates.
Virus definition updates need to be purchased from the company
Backup important data
Backuping up data is not really a security item to keep your computer secure but more to keep you secure. Should your computer happen to be hacked or just crash if your data is backed up you will not lose your data.
Only download and install trusted software
One of the most common ways computers get viruses and malware is from software downloaded off of the internet. Certain programs downloaded from unknown sources contain viruses embedded within the program.
The best way to protect yourself against this is to not download software unless it is from a site that is totally trusted.
By following these eight steps you can significantly decrease your risk at being hacked or infected by a virus. The most important thing is to use common sense and you will stay protected. Read More .....
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
What to Do When Your Computer Tells You "No Audio Drivers Detected"
Indubitably, one of the main problems when buying a computer is that there is no such thing as a hassle free and perfect life the moment you hit the power switch and wait for the magic to happen. As you know, the human factor very much still plays a part in the makings of a computer, and taking that into consideration against the perfection that is normally attributed to the engineering and manufacturing process, it should be obvious to you that no machine can ever be perfect.
In fact, there is no list long enough or volume big enough to list down the large numbers of errors that the computer can give you, but one of them is the “no audio drivers detected error”. This could soon be followed by the extremely deafening sound of silence no matter what DVD or CD you place in the disk drive. It is quite a bummer when you consider that one of the main uses of a computer system is entertainment, and unless you are proficient in Braille and can read lips, there is no point having a computer when its audio drivers do not work.
The problem can be from several sources, and the first thing you should be doing is to not panic, because it will not do anything remotely positive to aid the problem. In fact, your panic attack might actually worsen the problem as you incessantly thump the keyboard and swear at the computer screen, unnecessarily raising your own blood pressure. What you need to do is to check your drivers, because sometimes manufacturers will absent-mindedly insert either outdated or incompatible or even corrupt drivers.
Check and recheck the drivers, and the general advice is for you to check the website or any tech support forums that might have the correct and latest drivers posted for you to download. These will also be the places where you can check for any compatibility issues because as you know, PC makers and the factor of competition has led to them making hardware which may be incompatible with one another.
This miscommunication and unavoidable facet of the PC world makes it even harder for us, and however much board manufacturers and OS kings try to get rid of the problem, they will always be present to give us a migraine and dash our hopes for a clean install. So look up these sites for solutions to the problem.
If all else fails, it could be a core error with the system itself and to rectify this, you would need to reformat your computer and reinstall everything step by step. A clean install from ground up can help to eliminate some of these problems. If nothing still works, you can then forget about trying to fix it yourself; it’s time for you to lug your PC back to the vendor or to the repair shop, where they will charge you an amount to fix your computer to its former glory. Read More .....
In fact, there is no list long enough or volume big enough to list down the large numbers of errors that the computer can give you, but one of them is the “no audio drivers detected error”. This could soon be followed by the extremely deafening sound of silence no matter what DVD or CD you place in the disk drive. It is quite a bummer when you consider that one of the main uses of a computer system is entertainment, and unless you are proficient in Braille and can read lips, there is no point having a computer when its audio drivers do not work.
The problem can be from several sources, and the first thing you should be doing is to not panic, because it will not do anything remotely positive to aid the problem. In fact, your panic attack might actually worsen the problem as you incessantly thump the keyboard and swear at the computer screen, unnecessarily raising your own blood pressure. What you need to do is to check your drivers, because sometimes manufacturers will absent-mindedly insert either outdated or incompatible or even corrupt drivers.
Check and recheck the drivers, and the general advice is for you to check the website or any tech support forums that might have the correct and latest drivers posted for you to download. These will also be the places where you can check for any compatibility issues because as you know, PC makers and the factor of competition has led to them making hardware which may be incompatible with one another.
This miscommunication and unavoidable facet of the PC world makes it even harder for us, and however much board manufacturers and OS kings try to get rid of the problem, they will always be present to give us a migraine and dash our hopes for a clean install. So look up these sites for solutions to the problem.
If all else fails, it could be a core error with the system itself and to rectify this, you would need to reformat your computer and reinstall everything step by step. A clean install from ground up can help to eliminate some of these problems. If nothing still works, you can then forget about trying to fix it yourself; it’s time for you to lug your PC back to the vendor or to the repair shop, where they will charge you an amount to fix your computer to its former glory. Read More .....
How Can Computer Network Training Help My Business?
The Information Technologies sector has quickly become one of the largest industries in the business world. Computer programming and network configuration are two of the most popular jobs among college graduates presently, and with good reason. In the last decade, technology has advanced in leaps and bounds, which means that any business will only really benefit from implementing and understanding the latest technologies.
A computer network can only help a business’ bottom line as it reduces, or may even eliminate altogether, latency, increases efficiency and keeps the business connected. A computer network installation requires plenty of planning and foresight, but it is well worth it in the long run. However, the computer network cannot be simply set up and left alone, which is where computer network training comes into the picture.
If a business is to use a computer network, there needs to be a considerable amount of organization involved. Part of computer network training and preparation is to determine how many people will be using the network, how it will be used and the number of people that will use it locally (in the office) and remotely (offsite). It is also important to know how many computers and devices, including peripherals like printers, scanners and servers, will be required for the network in question.
Before there is any consistent computer network training, technology issues and requirements should be discussed. Obviously there will be computers, but what else? Plan out and discuss what is needed in the way of hardware, software, switches, servers, back-up devices, network operating systems and even things as simple as cables. Part of computer network training also involves the preparation and consideration of any required licenses, responsibility requirements, and security measures.
If there is an existing network in place, the technology department (IT Department and network operators) should regularly train on all of its aspects. Regular review sessions should be scheduled, perhaps along with consistent security reviews of the system. If a new computer network is implemented, there should always be sufficient training so that staff can make the transition smoothly.
There is a multitude of ways that staff can undergo computer network training. If the business employs in-house IT staff, an employee specialising in computer network programming may be in charge of keeping everyone informed. There are also classroom opportunities or seminars where an instructor may visit the office to train the staff. Additionally, there is computer based training (CBT) and web based training (WBT) that are very similar to their CD and DVD counterparts. Furthermore, there is no shortage of books and other reference materials.
Regardless of the method chosen for computer network training, it is an essential part of a successful business. Many companies integrate large, intricate networks and must take into account the tightening data protection laws and security measures. Having a staff that is well-versed in computer network issues ranging from design, planning, implementation, security precautions and maintenance, can only help to ensure the overall efficiency, productivity and success of a business. Read More .....
A computer network can only help a business’ bottom line as it reduces, or may even eliminate altogether, latency, increases efficiency and keeps the business connected. A computer network installation requires plenty of planning and foresight, but it is well worth it in the long run. However, the computer network cannot be simply set up and left alone, which is where computer network training comes into the picture.
If a business is to use a computer network, there needs to be a considerable amount of organization involved. Part of computer network training and preparation is to determine how many people will be using the network, how it will be used and the number of people that will use it locally (in the office) and remotely (offsite). It is also important to know how many computers and devices, including peripherals like printers, scanners and servers, will be required for the network in question.
Before there is any consistent computer network training, technology issues and requirements should be discussed. Obviously there will be computers, but what else? Plan out and discuss what is needed in the way of hardware, software, switches, servers, back-up devices, network operating systems and even things as simple as cables. Part of computer network training also involves the preparation and consideration of any required licenses, responsibility requirements, and security measures.
If there is an existing network in place, the technology department (IT Department and network operators) should regularly train on all of its aspects. Regular review sessions should be scheduled, perhaps along with consistent security reviews of the system. If a new computer network is implemented, there should always be sufficient training so that staff can make the transition smoothly.
There is a multitude of ways that staff can undergo computer network training. If the business employs in-house IT staff, an employee specialising in computer network programming may be in charge of keeping everyone informed. There are also classroom opportunities or seminars where an instructor may visit the office to train the staff. Additionally, there is computer based training (CBT) and web based training (WBT) that are very similar to their CD and DVD counterparts. Furthermore, there is no shortage of books and other reference materials.
Regardless of the method chosen for computer network training, it is an essential part of a successful business. Many companies integrate large, intricate networks and must take into account the tightening data protection laws and security measures. Having a staff that is well-versed in computer network issues ranging from design, planning, implementation, security precautions and maintenance, can only help to ensure the overall efficiency, productivity and success of a business. Read More .....
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Windows Security
A list of essential steps to protect your computer.
If you dont have FireFox browser I highly recommend it.
Follow the next few steps in this Knowledge Base Article to see STEP by STEP on how to protect yourself from having your identity stolen, credit card thieves and cyber punks.
Step 1
Make windows ask you for a password EVERY time you logon.
Start > Settings > Control Panel
User Accounts
Select your user account
Create a password
make it 8 characters long using Letters, Numbers, and Symbols $%�
make the password hint something ONLY YOU WOULD KNOW
dont share your password
Firefox Tips and Tricks (taken from version 1.5)
(If you want INTERNET EXPLORER, thats next)
-Open Firefox
-Tools > Internet Options
General Section
You can change your homepage in this section
Privacy Section
-CLEAR BROWSING HISTORY NOW erases your tracks for hackers
-SETTINGS allows you to set a HOTKEY to auto-erase your tracks
-In the PASSWORDS tab, un-check "Remember Passwords" its the most common way for hackers to get your bank account access or steal your identity UNKNOWN to you
-In the cookies tab "for the originating site only" to stop some popups
Internet Explorer Tips and Tricks (taken from version 6)
-Open Internet Explorer
-Tools > Internet Options
These tips show you how to change your IE settings to protect yourself and your computer.
If you want to update IE now (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) follow this link.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
General tab
DELETE FILES to delete your IE cache memory that holds your private info sometimes
CLEAR HISTORY in this page to erase your tracks
Enter a new homepage here in case of it being stolen
Privacy tab
BLOCK POPUPS make sure you click this...
You can set your privacy to MEDIUM-HIGH at maximum, any more is too high
Content tab
DISABLE your auto-save passwords, as this is most common way hackers gain access to your banks or personal computer information.
Click Auto Complete button, and un-check "user names and passwords on forms" then ok
Under Content Advisor click ENABLE to block bad websites for kids
Setup the following window, along with its tabs. Create a password there, and do NOT give it to the child. Press OK
Change the Windows Services that start with your computer
Start > Run > Services.msc
This opens a window listing all windows SERVICES that start up with your computer.
A service is like a program, but instead of a file, its part of windows.
Services allow functions on your computer, while others allow security holes.
To change a services properties, double click.
Automatic = Starts up everytime with your computer
Manual = Starts up as needed
Disabled = Will not be started up
Find this service on your list and make sure they are DISABLED.
Messenger
Netmeeting Remote Desktop
Remote Registry
If something doesnt work now, simply undo this manually.
These are for more advanced levels of privacy, and for more advanced users.
Use these at your own risk!
Enable ADVANCED Security Features
Click Start > Run
%SystemRoot%system32secpol.msc /s
Enter the above line in the window and run
Local Policies > Security Options
Change the following settings by double clicking:
Accounts: Administrator account status *DISABLE* (as long as your username is NOT adminsitrator)
Accounts: Guest account status *DISABLE*
These disable two accounts that allow access to your computer. If you dont have an administrator password, you are in BIG trouble with this enabled. Read More .....
If you dont have FireFox browser I highly recommend it.
Follow the next few steps in this Knowledge Base Article to see STEP by STEP on how to protect yourself from having your identity stolen, credit card thieves and cyber punks.
Step 1
Make windows ask you for a password EVERY time you logon.
Start > Settings > Control Panel
User Accounts
Select your user account
Create a password
make it 8 characters long using Letters, Numbers, and Symbols $%�
make the password hint something ONLY YOU WOULD KNOW
dont share your password
Firefox Tips and Tricks (taken from version 1.5)
(If you want INTERNET EXPLORER, thats next)
-Open Firefox
-Tools > Internet Options
General Section
You can change your homepage in this section
Privacy Section
-CLEAR BROWSING HISTORY NOW erases your tracks for hackers
-SETTINGS allows you to set a HOTKEY to auto-erase your tracks
-In the PASSWORDS tab, un-check "Remember Passwords" its the most common way for hackers to get your bank account access or steal your identity UNKNOWN to you
-In the cookies tab "for the originating site only" to stop some popups
Internet Explorer Tips and Tricks (taken from version 6)
-Open Internet Explorer
-Tools > Internet Options
These tips show you how to change your IE settings to protect yourself and your computer.
If you want to update IE now (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) follow this link.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
General tab
DELETE FILES to delete your IE cache memory that holds your private info sometimes
CLEAR HISTORY in this page to erase your tracks
Enter a new homepage here in case of it being stolen
Privacy tab
BLOCK POPUPS make sure you click this...
You can set your privacy to MEDIUM-HIGH at maximum, any more is too high
Content tab
DISABLE your auto-save passwords, as this is most common way hackers gain access to your banks or personal computer information.
Click Auto Complete button, and un-check "user names and passwords on forms" then ok
Under Content Advisor click ENABLE to block bad websites for kids
Setup the following window, along with its tabs. Create a password there, and do NOT give it to the child. Press OK
Change the Windows Services that start with your computer
Start > Run > Services.msc
This opens a window listing all windows SERVICES that start up with your computer.
A service is like a program, but instead of a file, its part of windows.
Services allow functions on your computer, while others allow security holes.
To change a services properties, double click.
Automatic = Starts up everytime with your computer
Manual = Starts up as needed
Disabled = Will not be started up
Find this service on your list and make sure they are DISABLED.
Messenger
Netmeeting Remote Desktop
Remote Registry
If something doesnt work now, simply undo this manually.
These are for more advanced levels of privacy, and for more advanced users.
Use these at your own risk!
Enable ADVANCED Security Features
Click Start > Run
%SystemRoot%system32secpol.msc /s
Enter the above line in the window and run
Local Policies > Security Options
Change the following settings by double clicking:
Accounts: Administrator account status *DISABLE* (as long as your username is NOT adminsitrator)
Accounts: Guest account status *DISABLE*
These disable two accounts that allow access to your computer. If you dont have an administrator password, you are in BIG trouble with this enabled. Read More .....
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