Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later
If you're like most small business owners, your computer data backups are one of those things that you rarely pay attention to. Computer data backups are kind of like flossing your teeth and eating low-fat, high-fiber foods? everyone knows what they're supposed to do? but how many REALLY do these things religiously?!?
Unfortunately when it comes to your computer data backups however, complacency can be very dangerous. Of course, it's always a good idea to have a local computer service company that you can rely on for advice on selecting and maintaining your computer data backups. But, unless you're prepared to put a full-time PC support person on your company's payroll, it's really important that you get some basic understanding of the major issues with computer data backups.
So here's a compilation of some really crucial tips on computer data backups that I've put together, after nearly 15 years of helping small businesses protect their valuable computer data files.
Test your computer data backups regularly and monitor their log files.
To be effective, computer data backups must be highly automated to ensure that jobs are launched consistently and correctly, but your computer data backup system also needs to be watched over diligently to make sure it continues to function reliably.
Unfortunately, monitoring the computer data backup system generally isn't a priority until something goes wrong. By then it's too late?. Like the article title says, "Test Now or Cry Later!"
People have a strong tendency with a computer data backup system to set it and forget it. Automation clearly has many benefits, but a totally hands-off approach can be very dangerous if no one is overseeing your computer data backup process.
Test and Then Test Again: VERY Important with Computer Data Backup Systems
With any newly installed computer data backup system, don't assume everything works correctly right out of the box. Even more important, don't take for granted that your backup system will continue working indefinitely. You need periodically to restore some folders and files from your backup media to validate that your computer data backup system still works.
If your automated computer data backup routine is configured to include a verify run with each backup job, testing a sample restore job monthly should be adequate. However, if you have an extremely low tolerance for risk, you may want to simulate a sample restore job once a week.
The Hazard of Moving Parts and Open Design with Computer Backup Systems
Why do you need to take these precautions if you're purchasing a reliable, business-class computer data backup system to start with? Typically, a tape drive or other backup device is one of the few components in a PC or server that still have moving parts.
As a result, it's more prone to mechanical failure. In addition, because a backup device generally is open, as opposed to the sealed design of a hard drive, it's easy for the inside of the computer data backup system device to attract a significant dust buildup in a relatively short period of time.
Sample Restore Jobs and Cleaning Tape Heads of Computer Data Backup Systems
Testing a tape for a sample restore job is also a great time to clean the heads of the backup drive if your backup system requires this kind of maintenance.
Restoring a few hundred megabytes (MB) of data to a scratch directory and running a head-cleaning tape should take no more than 15 to 30 minutes.
When running a test restore job, always restore the data to an alternate server folder path, so as not to disrupt the use of any shared folders.
Building a Computer System Backup and Restore Procedure Checklist In times of crisis, the most crucial issue becomes how quickly you can get the data back onto your system, undamaged. So, as you build your computer data backup system, be sure to document your test procedures into handy checklists.
This documentation also can be great for cross-training and crucial for avoiding panic during an emergency. Be sure you have a hard copy of this documentation next to your system and stored off-site with your backup media.
Watching the Log Files of Your Computer Data Backup System
In addition to running test restore jobs, you must inspect your computer data backup system log files daily. When the backup system is first installed, take time to get familiar with the way log files look when everything is working. This way, if something goes awry, you'll be better prepared to pinpoint the nature of the problem immediately.
As network operating system (NOS) suites and backup software have become more sophisticated, it's now possible to monitor backup system log files remotely and more proactively. In most cases, the backup system log files are just plain text (.txt) files.
Many third-party tools and utilities, as well as those included with Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server (SBS) and Microsoft BackOffice Server, can automatically e-mail or fax a backup system log file at a preconfigured time.
Automatically and Remotely Monitoring Tape Backup Log Files
Many computer consultants have their small business clients' log files automatically e-mailed to them daily, so the consultants proactively can watch out for potential problems with the computer data backup system.
However, don't think this proactive monitoring is limited to professional consultants. If your company has one or more branch offices you support from a centralized location, you also can use a similar method to monitor backup system health in remote locations.
For greater flexibility, you can set up an e-mail alias so the computer data backup system log file automatically is sent to you, your second-in-command and perhaps an external computer consultant ? so you are all kept in the loop. Also, this way, monitoring continues even when you're out of the office or on vacation.
The Bottom Line
If your small business depends greatly on its computer systems, backing up your data is not optional? and it is not something that can be casually brushed to the back burner.
Use the computer data backup tips in the articles to help you become a more IT-aware small business owner. And remember, when it comes to computer data backups, "Test Now or Cry Later". The choice is yours.
Joshua Feinberg is a 15-year veteran computer consultant, an internationally recognized expert on small business computer consulting. He has appeared in dozens of business and IT trade publications including American Express OPEN Platinum Ventures, Entrepreneur, Inc, SCORE, Small Business Computing, and USA Today. To learn more about Joshua's money-savings tips for small business PC support, visit his site at http://www.PCSupportTips.com
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:51:44 GMT Favre's heir? With backing from mates, Rodgers waits patiently - USA Today
USA Today - By Matt Ludtke, AP By Larry Weisman, USA TODAY He no longer sounds like a retired player after seemingly passing on the opportunity to lead a talent-laden Packers squad. Video: The Rift Between Favre and the Packers Finding new home for Brett Favre won't be easy Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:06:18 GMT Zimbabwe Parties May Sign Unity Deal Soon, Business Day Reports - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Carli Lourens July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties may sign a power-sharing agreement soon as they have already agreed on a wide range of issues, Business Day reported, citing people it didn't identify. Fearsome Zimbabwe militias are afraid Delayed Zimbabwe Power-Sharing Talks Seen Beginning Thursday Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:06 GMT Rapper 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad - New York Daily News
New York Daily News - BY THOMAS ZAMBITO The rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - is suing the fast-food chain for using his hip-hop persona to tout its tacos. 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad campaign Rapper 50 Cent says Taco Bell stole his endorsement Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:15:09 GMT Billionaires Back Antismoking Effort - New York Times
New York Times - Bill Gates and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced their antismoking initiative on Wednesday in New York. By DONALD G. MCNEIL JR Bill Gates and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Wednesday that they would spend $500 million to stop ... Video: Gates, Bloomberg Pool Riches to Fight Smoking The $500 million war on smoking Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:48 GMT Karadzic lived the good life with wine, song - Reuters
Reuters - By Ivana Sekularac BELGRADE (Reuters) - Radovan Karadzic lived the good life while hiding from justice for 11 years: he watched his diet, fell in love and hung out in a small bar where hardliners gathered to sing about his wartime exploits. Video: Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes - 23 Jul 08 Karadzic's secret life enthralls his fellow Serbs Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:05:33 GMT Christian Bale's lady sidekick: Sibi Bale - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Like the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is a real-life man of mystery. Averse to personal publicity, he is well-known for not wanting to discuss his private life. Christian Bale, Wife "Solid" at Knight's Spain Premiere Bale's family feud led to scuffle Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:10:31 GMT Discovery may boost statin safety - BBC News
BBC News - Scientists have pinpointed a gene mutation as a major cause of a rare side effect of the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins. They hope the discovery could lead to a simple test to identify patients at increased risk of myopathy - severe muscle pain and ... Gene May Predict Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Risk, Study Says Genetic Cause of Statin-Related Muscle Pain Found Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:14:24 GMT Clickbank Datafeed |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Okay, computers a machine, right? Okay, maybe not yours. You... Read More If you're like most small business owners, your computer data... Read More Imagine that you have been working on a file for... Read More If You are running an Online Work at home Business... Read More How long have you been doing business online? Whether you... Read More "Why should you be afraid?", I can hear you ask.I... Read More Backups of company data are carried out for two main... Read More Why should you backup your data on the Internet?There are... Read More Right now you probably in a lot of mental pain,... Read More Bill gates provided a ready made option in Microsoft windows,... Read More Your customer data is a precious resource that can literally... Read More Every person who uses a personal computer will eventually face... Read More It might be more fun to talk about those free... Read More Our computers have become almost indispensable ministry tools. What would... Read More "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows could not be... Read More Processing DATA is what all businesses do. Protecting data is... Read More In the first part of this article series, I talked... Read More Six months ago my computer crashed. When I turned my... Read More Vision Backup http://www.deprice.com/visionbackupenterprise.htmVision Backup 10 Enterprise is an advanced and... Read More Data recovery is a tricky thing, and if you've somehow... Read More A Tornado? In Birmingham? In The United Kingdom? Unthinkable!Yes, in... Read More It's important to understand that any time an Access client... Read More Whenever disaster strikes the most critical asset that every company... Read More In today's high paced digital world there is a very... Read More Almost everyone who has used a computer has experienced a... Read More
Adsense
websites
Do I Really Need To Backup?
Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later
Computer Data Backup - Data Backup Solution Will Give You A Peace Of Mind
3 Simple Steps To Organize Your Critical Online Home Based Business Directory
Online Data Backups for Newbies
Backup Schmackup: Im Afraid, Very Afraid!
The Seven Golden Rules Of Data Backups
Learn How To Make Data Backup Over The Internet!
Data Recovery: Beginners Tips
Bill Gates Made Data Recovery Easy
Data Backups ? One Key to Business Survival
Data Recovery
Are The Words Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning Rolling Off Your Lips?
3 Ways Computers Can Hurt Your Ministry - Part 1 - Ineffective Data Backups
How to Survive an Operating System Crash
How Secure Are Online Data Backups?
Data Backup Solution: Why You Need a Backup Plan in Place ? Part 2
Data Recovery Processes
Backup 101 - How To Pick The Right Backup Software
Data Recovery - What Not to Do!
When Disaster Strikes: How Long Would Your Business Survive if Files On Your Computer Disappeared?
5 Simple Tips to Prevent MS Access Database Corruption
Disaster Recovery Made Easy With Online Backups
Offsite Data Backup Not Just for Fortune 500 Companies Anymore
Protect Yourself Before Your Hard Drive Crashes
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Its All In The Planning - Surviving Disaster
ITS ALL IN THE PLANNING - PREPARING FOR THE UNTHINKABLE*... Read More
Data Backup for Beginners
It's 10pm. Do you know where your data is?Data. Small... Read More
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery - The Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan
Essentially, the plan addresses the who, what, where, why and... Read More
Do You Have The One Key Ingredient Necessary For Disaster Recovery?
It is not rocket science, we all know that we... Read More
How To Limit Hard Drive Data Recovery Costs
With the value on information rising day by day, one... Read More
I Lost It! Simple Guide To Recovering Corrupted Images And Files
WinUndelete http://www.deprice.com/winundelete.htmWinUndelete? is an easy to use undelete software utility... Read More
Did You Loose Your Windows XP Password? What Should You Have Done Before it Happened?
There is a common problem that happens with lot of... Read More
Avoiding Hard Disk Data Recovery Services
As a home computer owner, one of the greatest threats... Read More
Hard Drive Crash? The Essential Data Recovery Report
Your worst nightmare just became a horrifying reality. You keep... Read More
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery - Business Impact Analysis
Business impact analysis is a critical part of the business... Read More
Backup -- But Where To?
We all know we have to backup regularly, but those... Read More
Read This Now: Its Not If You Will Lose Your Data, Its When Will You Lose Your Data
With Adware, SpyWare, E-Mail Viruses, Java Script Viruses and Hardware... Read More
The Best Data Recovery Choice For You
The best defense against a loss of data is a... Read More
Are The Words Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning Rolling Off Your Lips?
It might be more fun to talk about those free... Read More
Do I Really Need To Backup?
Okay, computers a machine, right? Okay, maybe not yours. You... Read More
Protect Yourself Before Your Hard Drive Crashes
Almost everyone who has used a computer has experienced a... Read More
Data Recovery Processes
Six months ago my computer crashed. When I turned my... Read More
HasYour Computer Hard Drive Ever Crashed? Are You Challenged by Backups?
The following scenario's have probably been repeated thousands of times,... Read More
Data Backup Solution: Why You Need a Backup Plan in Place ? Part 1
Is a data backup solution part of your computer plans?... Read More
Comparing Data Recovery Software
Software programmers recognize the importance of data files, and thankfully,... Read More
Data Backup Solution: Why You Need a Backup Plan in Place ? Part 2
In the first part of this article series, I talked... Read More
Data Backups ? One Key to Business Survival
Your customer data is a precious resource that can literally... Read More
Disaster Recovery- Managing the Risk
Helping your business survive in the event of an unforeseen... Read More
How Secure Are Online Data Backups?
Processing DATA is what all businesses do. Protecting data is... Read More
Backup 101 - How To Pick The Right Backup Software
Vision Backup http://www.deprice.com/visionbackupenterprise.htmVision Backup 10 Enterprise is an advanced and... Read More
Data Recovery & Computer Backup |