Home
>
Small Business
>
Computer Related Habits From Small Business Owner - Be Prepared, Avoid Despair

Computer Related Habits From Small Business Owner - Be Prepared, Avoid Despair

Aside from the fear of losing a spreadsheet or research project prepared for a client, what prompted me to write this article was the realization that it takes nothing short of persistent follow up to stay ahead of computer threats which could ruin my business. I also accepted the fact that keeping my computer free of viruses and spam is paramount to ensuring my computer is not going to harm others.

If you don't have a technical assistance person or call desk to support you and users of the computers that are part of your business, it is time to establish a routine that prepares you for potential losses or lapses.

If you are convinced protecting your computer is important, but still haven't done anything about it, then I urge you to hire or barter with someone who is technically competent to teach you, or set up a technical support program.

I don't offer these services, but I can help you evaluate your needs and the type of provider that would work best for you. Also, look in the phone book under the heading "Computer-Services & Repair" for providers in your area. If worse comes to worst, there's a heading for "Computer-Data Recovery" services.

Also, I hate to tell you, but don't expect much sympathy these days from people about losing all your emails, files and pictures. Almost everyone has their own "been there, done that" tale tell. It might even be worse than yours.

If you are not already doing so, my advice as a business owner is to do the following on a weekly or at least monthly basis. Please note I am keeping terminology very broad in order to reach a wide range of users. Whether you use a Mac or PC here's what you should do:

- Monitor updates of the programs you rely upon. The periodic release of downloadable updates to operating programs and software applications is an advisable layer of protection. Enable the automatic notification feature so you are prompted when downloads are available.

- Run virus scans regularly. Say it again and commit to setting a weekly schedule. Always review the results before proceeding. Never ignore the warning of a known threat.

- Back up regularly. The price of blank, recordable media is no longer prohibitive. If you have lots of data, get a "zip drive" device that stores data on cartridges that hold more than a CD or disk. The initial set up can be complicated, and it's no disgrace to ask for help from a technically inclined friend or contractor.

- In a somewhat logical manner, file emails for future reference. Set up folders by the names of people you work with or by active projects. Set a routine of emptying your inbox on a regular basis.

- Fine tune file management settings so the auto-archive and auto-delete functions behave as you wish. Otherwise, you might not know where all your emails go after a feature kicks in. The Outlook rules feature lets you customize even further.

Another good habit is keeping the boxes and media for software applications both together and accessible to your computer. Resist the temptation to tuck those oversized boxes away. Try to keep at least the operating system applications at close hand.

As long as you are using the application, do not get rid of either the box or media needed to install it. Over time, you (or the person who works on your computer) will need these. Product registration, rebates, upgrades and product support require the key numbers and/or inserting the media.

Indeed, all of these somewhat tedious tasks take away from my time delivering billable work or promoting my business. But the thing is, when the routines are complete and back ups stowed, I am less anxious about computer infiltration or the possibility of a system failure. That kind of peace of mind is worth the investment.

Elisa Shostak is the founder of Compass Rose Strategic Consulting LLC, an advisory service and secondary research firm based in Seattle, Washington.

Elisa can be contacted through her website: http://www.compassrosellc.com or blog http://www.compassrosellc.com

family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..

In The News:

FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.

Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.

Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.

Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.

The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.

Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.

Unlock richer audio from your streaming apps with simple tweaks to volume normalization, equalizer settings, and quality preferences for cleaner sound.

Scammers are sending fake Facebook settlement payout emails that mimic legitimate notices from the privacy settlement administrator to deceive users.

Holiday shopping scams surge as fake refund emails target distracted consumers during Black Friday and holiday seasons, costing Americans billions annually.

The AI-powered IRMO M1 exoskeleton features four modes, including turbo, eco, training and rest for hiking, running, cycling and sports with eight-hour battery life.

OpenAI announced upgrades for its ChatGPT Images platform on Tuesday, saying the program can now make more precise edits and produce images more quickly.

Chrome for Android now turns web articles into AI-powered podcast conversations. Get hands-free browsing with Google Gemini's natural audio summaries.

LastPass faces $1.6 million fine from U.K. regulators after 2022 data breach exposed 1.6 million users. Password manager failed proper security controls.

Petco disclosed a data breach exposing customer Social Security numbers, financial account details, and driver's license information due to a software error.

Baseball teams can now analyze complete swing mechanics in normal training environments using Theia's markerless AI system that processes standard high-speed footage.

Smart home hacking fears overblown? Expert reveals real cybersecurity risks and simple protection tips to keep your connected devices safe from hackers.

MIT develops needle-free glucose monitor using light technology. Revolutionary device could replace painful finger pricks for diabetes management.

The ClickFix campaign disguises malware as legitimate Windows updates, using steganography to hide shellcode in PNG files and bypass security detection systems.

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University designed a 21-foot dome that combines aquaculture and hydroponics to create a self-sustaining urban food system.

The Fox News AI Newsletter gives readers the latest AI technology advancements, covering the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

ChatGPT data breach exposes personal info of users through partner Mixpanel. OpenAI confirms names, emails compromised in security incident.

Android rolls out Emergency Live Video for 911 calls, letting dispatchers see real-time scenes during emergencies. Great for holiday travel safety.

Malicious Chrome and Edge extensions collected browsing history, keystrokes and personal data from millions of users before Google and Microsoft removed them.