Top Ten Disaster Recovery Tips
 Backup Data Files
Guess what, you already own the backup software you need. Depending on your operating system Go through your Start menu and look for Accessories | System Tools, until you find Microsoft Backup. Yes, you'll need to invest time in learning how it works. How much time do you think it will take to retype all your documents if your hard drive crashes? Determine the folders that contain files you've created. Backup will make a compressed copy of your files.
 Backup System Files
The trick is determining the file location. Use Find on the Start menu or open the application, click on help and search the index for backup to learn the procedure. You can add each of these files to the backup procedure above. Look for and backup the following files for your applications:
Internet Explorer Favorites
Usually a folder in the Windows folder named Favorites.
Netscape Navigator
Bookmarks.htm under one of the Netscape\Users folders.
Outlook
Microsoft\Outlook\mailbox.pst or any file that ends with .pst or,
Microsoft\Outlook Express (backup the entire folder)
Microsoft Word - Normal.dot (Program Files\Microsoft Office\Templates)
Act! - Use their backup procedure. File | Backup, then click on the options tab and include your Layouts, Templates and Reports.
 Antivirus Software
Norton Antivirus Buy, Install, Configure, and most importantly, USE it on a regular basis. What I like about this program is it's ability to work unattended. Set it up to scan your inbound E-mail. Also turn on the LiveUpdate feature so you'll always be up to date.
 Passwords
Secure your password information at work and at home (not on stickies or Rolodex cards). Use different passwords for each account. Don't use a series of passwords based on a common word or theme (names of cities or wines). Yes, that makes them hard to remember, so make sure you include step 5.
 Password Vault
I use MobileSafe Account Manager from Handmark.com. It encrypts and stores all my passwords.
 Firewall
If you work for a major company, they've got this covered. But if you're a small business or independent professional, buy ZoneAlarm Pro from ZoneLabs.com. It's Easy to setup, and it replaces the "idiot lights" on your internet connection so you can see exactly what's going in or out of your computer or network.
 Awareness
Resources alone won't save you. Take time to review your risk including, what would be lost, could you get it back, and how long would it take. The best disaster recovery plan is the one you would actually use.
 Disaster Drill
On July 19, 1989 a United Air Lines DC-10 crashed at Sioux City, Iowa after an engine explosion caused the total loss of all hydraulics. Two factors help reduce the loss of life, pilot skill and a disaster drill just prior to the accident. Once a month, play the "What If" game. What if lightning struck your office? What if your laptop was lost or stolen? What if you dropped your PDA on the hotel lobby floor?
 Hire an Expert
Don't have time to implement a Disaster Recovery Program? Call me at 877-504-2750 to discuss how I can create a low cost - low maintenance program to make technology work for you.
 Relax
Accept the fact that you can't control when or if a disaster will strike. You can only control your response. Implementing these tips will give you the piece of mind that you're ready for any disaster.
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