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Protecting your computer over Christmas | |
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Updated 20 December 2007 Even though they will spend much
of the next fortnight turned off your systems are still at risk; power surges,
fire and theft are just a few things that can damage your computer or the data
on it. There's a number of things you should do before closing your business
over the break.
All that data needs to be backed
up and saved somewhere safely. External hard drives and DVDs are the most popular
ways of saving backups. Your backup should include documents, email, address
books, accounting data, favorites and bookmarks.
Store the backups away from the
computer, preferably offsite. I recommend making two copies, leave one onsite
for easy access and store one elsewhere. If something terrible happens to your
home or office while you are away, your data is at least safe.
For home offices, it’s a good idea
to leave a copy of the backup with your neighbours or a relative in a nearby
suburb. For bigger offices, the backup should go home with the boss or a trusted
employee. If you have a post box then one trick is to leave a DVD of your important
data in the box.
If your computer is connected to
a network, telephone line or cable connection then these should all be unplugged
as well. Damaging power surges often come through communications cables. You
should unplug anything that connects your equipment to the outside world.
If you have an old laptop sitting
around it’s not a bad idea to hide away the modern equipment and leave the old
stuff in an obvious location. This is a variation on the old “leave ten dollars
in the petty cash tin” ploy that gives thieves something without them ransacking
the place. Don’t make it too obvious or you’ll be inviting break ins.
Christmas and New Year are times
when you should relax. Nothing can ruin your holidays by returning to find all
your valuable data lost. By backing up your systems and taking some precautions
you can relax that your business will be up and running quickly when you get
back to work.
How to avoid Christmas computer
disasters
Christmas is here and it’s time for
a much needed break. On Friday, many businesses will be closing down for a week
or two. Before doing so it’s worthwhile taking a few precautions with your computers
and other electronic equipment.
Backup
Regardless of how expensive your computers
are, it’s the information on them that matters. Data is irreplaceable while computers
can be bought off the shelf. For many small business years of work is sitting
on the hard drive.
Unplug EVERYTHING
Even when turned off, most modern computer
equipment still has power running through. Printers, modems, routers, should all
be turned off and disconnected from power and communications lines. Power surges
from storms are common over summer, so don’t take chances.
Hide your equipment
Give thieves as little temptation as
possible. Electronic equipment has a high resale value and is easily moved. Lock
away anything portable and draw the curtains or blinds in rooms where less portable
equipment is kept.
When you return
Your computer is the very last thing
you should turn on. Turn on modems, printers, external drives and network equipment
before your computer. If you have a cable Internet connection, give it a few minutes
to connect before trying to log on.
Update your system
While you were away new nasties will
have come out and there's a good chance some of them may be waiting in your inbox.
Before checking emails or surfing the net, update your security software and check
for any system updates. Do not do anything on the net until everything is updated.
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©Technology Publishing Australia, 2008