To kick off this weblog I would like to start with what I feel should be everyone’s step 0 for computing.  What is a step 0? Well it is a step in a procedure that is not the first step but is an assumed step that is already being done so it is not stated, but let’s state it now just to verify it’s being done.  

With anything that you do in computers you not only work with hardware and software but you will always create data.  This data can be anything from a simple word document – resume, email to grandma to a vast collection of music, DVD’s and pictures of the kids growing up.  This data is stored on your computer’s hard drive.  They are mechanical – machine-operated: operated by or using a machine or mechanism; meaning that they have moving parts.  These parts will – used to indicate the inevitability of something happening or being true; fail – to stop working or not perform or grow as expected!

Step 0 is back up your data.

Backing up your data means to make one or more copies of the original data in case one fails you still have another available for use.  Let’s say your hard drive failed, what is on it that you would need to replace.  Well most likely Windows but you should have original CD/DVD’s to reinstall.  The same would go for all the software programs that are installed on the system, and again you should have original CD/DVD’s or downloads of these to reinstall from.  Also, any updates and software patches would need to be reinstalled for all applications.  This is all possible to put back on the system as it was before just time consuming.

Getting to the user data files one should ask themselves two questions “How hard / long would it be to recreate the data? And can I recreate?”  Looking at a list of some of the major types of user data one can determine his need to backing up.

Music – usually ripped from your CD collection. Yes it’s possible, easy but time consuming

Movies – usually ripped from your DVD collection. Yes it’s possible, not as easy and very time consuming

Pictures – usually downloaded from you camera.  NO unless you didn’t delete from the memory stick.

Word / Excel files – usually created as you go.  Yes if you remember what you had, easy?? Time??

There are other types of data but this covers most typical users.  So, looking this over “Can you do it? and” How much time would it take to do it?” should lead one to making a backup of his data now.

One additional datum to look at is how many computers are in the environment.  Just at home I have a daughter, a son, a girl friends, my laptop, desktop and two servers.  That’s 7 systems all with data.  As I have worked on computers for many years that last thing that I want to do it watch another “blue bar of progress” as I twiddle my thumbs.  So avoiding anything that will take time is very advantages.

So what is my Step 0 solution for all data and all systems?  MS Windows Home Server.

This device connects to the network. It will see all computers, even Macs. It will do full system image backups.  It will handle all program backups, music backups, movie backups and picture backups.  It can restore files in a few moments and an entire system in under 15 minutes.  The cost is also very low.

There is no reason that one doesn’t backup all the systems in your home or small business environment anymore.  Once setup the system needs no further handling, it just works.

If you would like to know more please feel free to contact me.

Tony Jacovetty