Welcome to the Security Centre

1. Backup 2. Lockdown 3. Play it Safe

** Disclaimer - Hinterland IT provides the following information as a guide only. We take no responsibility for any loss incurred. We recommend that all crucial tasks in your IT system be performed by trained staff and that if you are unsure about any of the procedures listed below that you consult a trained professional.

Backup - The Most Important Word in Computing

No matter how long it takes, how inconvenient it is or if it costs you money, Just Do It! The number of clients that front up with a dead PC, and when asked the question do they have a backup, a horrified look flows across their faces as they realise that all their time, effort and memories may be gone. While more than no the data is easily recovered, it is not worth taking the risk. Spending half an hour a week to thoroughly organise your files and make backup copies is not as painful as losing all your documents, photos and all the other files that are important to you. In this section we will look not only at data backup, but backup for your whole computing experience.

Data Backup

This involves creating a physical copy of all your important files, settings and documents. There are numerous ways of backing up but however you do it make sure you do it well. Here are a few ways to assist you in backing up your files.

Microsoft Backup

Microsoft Windows comes with this very capable utility. Windows XP Home users may not have this installed but it is possible. To find out how to use Windows Backup, download the Getting Started file and read on.

Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup

The Personal Folders Backup download creates backup copies of your .PST files at regular intervals, in Outlook 2000 and later versions, making it easy to keep all of your Outlook folders safely backed up. To use this download the file here and then visit this Microsoft webpage; "Using the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup tool".

Outback Plus & Express Assist

Acronis True Image

At Hinterland IT we regularly use Acronis True Image and recommend this very effective and easy to use program. You can back up your entire system, that is all your PC's files for restoration of your complete system or a few files quickly and easily. The True Image backup file can also be browsed through the program so you can recover individual files and folders if needed. This program is highly recommended and very easy to use.

Where you back up to is another question you need to ask yourself. Will your important files fit onto CD's or DVD's? If not can you back up to multiple disks, e.g. Photos to one DVD and all your other documents to another. Maybe you have a partitioned hard drive and you can back up to a separate partition, although this does not allow you to store back up away from you PC. The best option these days include large storage drives that are attached to your PC like external hard disks connected through a USB port or perhaps network storage. Whatever you use make sure that you can easily backup all your important files. It is worth considering an external hard drive as these can be had for under $200.00 and are a great investment in your sanity.

Hardware Backup

Another important aspect that is more often than not overlooked is ensuring that your PC itself is secure and hence reducing the risks of headache's in the future. Firstly we recommend the use of a reputable UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to provide constant power to your system. With today's energy companies struggling to provide constant power under heavy loads, power failures, brownouts and fluctuations are a regular occurrence. With the latest PC's also being more sensitive to power fluctuations hardware failure during these times is quiet common. In fact we can almost bank on picking up work after a storm or power failure whether it is simply a damaged power supply in a PC or a full rebuild of a highly damaged system. Remember though it is best to turn off and completely disconnect your PC and all its cables when storms or inclement weather are present.

*Why you should have a UPS

A UPS is similar to  insurance: you need to have it, but hope you never have to use it. Like an automobile, a computer is an expensive investment you want to protect. In the event of a blackout, a UPS instantly switches your computer to emergency battery backup power and lets you work through brief power outages without losing data or experiencing other damaging effects. These can include hardware degradation, keyboard lockup and motherboard damage.

A UPS protects your system from the following power problems:

• Power transients — brief surges in voltage caused by lightning strikes or when electricity-hoarding appliances (like air conditioners and copiers) are turned off
• Spikes — instantaneous increases in voltage caused by lightning or overloaded power grids
• Brownouts — a reduction of your incoming voltage
• Power failure — a complete interruption of electrical power
• Line noise — interference from electrical appliances

Why a UPS and not a surge protector?

UPS units have a leg-up on surge protectors in many ways. Both handle surges, but a UPS gives you battery backup power. This allows time to save the data in your computer and shut down your system before anything is lost. Typical battery backup run times are shown in minutes and indicate the amount of time the battery backup operates. A UPS protects your computer from electrical noise and damaging power surges, including lightning. A surge protector can handle surges during a brownout, but your system will still have to work harder due to the lower voltage.

*By Melissa Winter - www.bestbuy.com

Regular Servicing

Just like a car needs regular servicing to continue to run well, it pays to regularly check a number of items in and around your PC to help extend the life of your PC:

• Check Cables - Carefully inspect all cables for wear and damage and replace of required, make sure they are arranged in a tidy fashion
• Dust Busting - Keep your PC area and peripherals clean and free of dust as much as possible, dust and PC components can be a bad mix
• Crud Cleaning - If you are confident, open your PC case and use "Air in a Can", available from electrical stores like Dick Smith Electronics or Tandy and gently blow out all dust, spider webs and foreign materials from your components. Be careful not to damage anything and never use a vacuum. A very soft, small paint brush can be used for stubborn dust and you can use a rag to sweep out settled dust from the bottom of your PC case. If in doubt, give it to a repairer, the job is quick and should not cost you more than $50.00.
• While you have your case open, carefully feel all cable connections inside your case. Check to see if they are all secure. Once again if in doubt ask a professional.
• Always remember to keep your PC area well ventilated, as PC's  often these days are a lot faster and can generate more heat and heat can cause serious issues if it gets to high. Preferably place your computer of the ground (helps eliminate dust to!) and in an open area like on top of the desk. This will allow the internal cooling systems to work at their best.
• If you can eat it or drink it, it doesn't belong near your PC. Food particles and liquid spills can easily cause minor to major dramas. Eat at the table!

Software Backup

Many a time we come across users who when repairing or replacing systems, have little or no idea where their important software is located. Software, especially dedicated solutions for your business can be an expensive outlay and it is important that all software media, manuals and license information is stored safely.

This is important as when restoring your system after an upgrade or repair, you need this software to restore your data. A data backup of your accounting information is useless if you do not have the software it was created with. In many cases you will need to repurchase the software adding considerably to the costs involved.

It is also important to record what software you have and the versions you have currently. Some packages may provide updates over time and a record of what version you were running is also important.

We would recommend the following procedure:

• Store your software disks, manuals and any other relevant articles in a safe location together with other programs.
• Have a hardcopy of a database recording software owned, versions and all license information stored with your software and on a PC

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