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
same day cleaning service Bannockburn ..A Private Investigator is a professional trained in the art... Read More
Many times small businesses want to expand their businesses and... Read More
Thinking of starting a business on line? If so there... Read More
Many investors and business ethics professionals are calling for more... Read More
Most new small businesses won't be in business this time... Read More
Why should you describe your business to others in 5... Read More
Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More
What could Seinfeld possibly have to do with marketing a... Read More
One of the most common issues that comes up for... Read More
Here are seven ways for owners of small businesses to... Read More
When you awoke this morning, you found yourself buzzing with... Read More
One of the greatest pitfalls in e-commerce is Field of... Read More
If you are a small business you know that you... Read More
Franchisors of home based and mobile businesses need to carefully... Read More
In the heavy equipment cleaning business you can make good... Read More
Many small business startups fail within the first 2 years... Read More
There's been a recent rise in the number of elderly... Read More
Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More
Q: I will be retiring this year at age 60... Read More
Cash is the lifeblood of any business. As humans need... Read More
Writing a business plan for your Solo Entrepreneur business doesn't... Read More
A recent survey showed that only 28.7% of small business... Read More
A Small Business Opportunities Magazine is one of the new... Read More
The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More
The efficiency of debt collection is the difference between a... Read More
housekeepers near Deerfield ..As a franchisor I am always asked by new and... Read More
-- Beyond Cold Calling, "Warm" Calling and Sending E-mails --Many... Read More
Most pressure washing companies never look into some of the... Read More
Many smaller businesses choose niche markets for various reasons and... Read More
It is an American dream to own a business. But... Read More
Starting and managing a small business is no fun chore,... Read More
Summer is a time for the outdoors, for that well-deserved... Read More
Most doctors never distinguish the difference between customers and patients.... Read More
In the 2003 Auto Laundry News Survey it was determined... Read More
Today required franchise disclosure documents are over 200 pages generally.... Read More
The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More
What is a Virtual Assistant?A Virtual Assistant is a person... Read More
What is a Family Business? A family business is basically... Read More
I am simply amazed at the problems some of my... Read More
What could Seinfeld possibly have to do with marketing a... Read More
SBIR vs. STTR: If you are participating in the SBIR... Read More
Macon, GA goes after garage-gas station conversion detail/hand car washes... Read More
The start of a new year is a time for... Read More
Last week we discussed the importance of performing an autopsy... Read More
In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the... Read More
A Private Investigator is a professional trained in the art... Read More
BioTechs even with the latest news had shed over 1000... Read More
There are no "rules of thumb" in the pursuit of... Read More
Everyone is talking about small businesses. In 1993, when it... Read More
If you are the boss and you think your job... Read More
Small Business |