CONs- If you are only looking fo

r partial back-up for a limited amount of data, an external hard drive is overkill.- The drives are sometimes large and bulky.- They can be damaged if dropped or mishandled, and are vulnerable to damage by electromagnetic fields.- Large external hard drives can be expensive.4. ZIP DRIVESPROs- Zip disks are fast and durable.- There are several different sizes, typically 100Mb, 250Mb and 750Mb. All are fine for small back-ups.- Zip disks can be used more than once for daily back-ups.- Zip drives are easy to install and share between computers and are fairly portable. Some newer models use USB ports.- Zip disks have a data-retention life of up to a decade.CONs- In order to use zip disks you must also buy the zip drive, which can be expensive.- Storing several disks can be cumbersome as there isn"t a large selection of available zip storage cases available.- Zip disks are not as portable as flash drives and are becoming less common.5. ONLINE BACK-UPPROs- Files are stored on a server at an off-site location, so they can"t be accidentally overwritten, stolen, or destroyed.- Most online back-up services offer rosetta stone online
500Mb to 100Gb of storage space, which you can access remotely via a secure link.- Online back-up is easy to use. Some providers offer automatic back-up, which does not require user intervention.- Some remote back-ups work continuously, backing up files as they are changed.- The price generally includes download and back-up software.CONs- It can be pricey up to R5 000 per month for 100Gb.- If your Internet service provider"s system fails, you might not be able to access your files.- If the provider"s security is compromised, your information could be stolen.Things to consider when choosing back-upHow much storage space do you need?If you have a lot of data to keep, use a high-capacity medium. You do not want hundreds of CDs cluttering up your office.How much will it cost? Consider the once-off as well as ongoing costs, and balance this against how much the data is worth to you.How easy is the back-up system to use, and how often will you need to do it? The harder it is and the longer it takes, the less likely you are to do it.For a seven-step guide on how to safeguard your business, click Learn German
on the Security guidance centre" link at microsoft southafrica smallbusiness.What about wirelessWireless equipment often has security default settings, but don"t assume that these are adequate for your needs. Always ensure that settings are checked and changed where appropriate.If you transfer sensitive information over a mobile connection, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Besides creating a secure channel for trading partners, this offers mobile users a safe way of connecting with other employees or branches of the business.Use encryption. Many wireless access points (WAPs) do not have encryption enabled by default.Use access lists to lock down your wireless network. This will allow you to specify exactly which machines are allowed to connect to your access point.Change default passwords. Most manufacturers use the same default for all their wireless access points (or those of a particular model). These passwords are common knowledge among hackers.Turn off the WAP when not in use. This may seem obvious, but few companies or individuals do it.The safer side of online bankingWhen it comes to transacting online, banking has had some bad press of late. However, by sticking to a few very strict rules, you can keep your information (and money) quite safe:Never allow your browser to save your PIN.Do not keep PIN codes in the same place as your card.Ensure you are on the correct website by checking the address and that the site is secure. The web address should start with https". Also look for the security certificate (usually a small graphic of a lock) in the bottom right corner of the screen.Always access your Internet banking by typing in the correct URL into your browser. Do not click on a link in an email to take you to the website, and NEVER provide your personal details to anyone via email or through a linked site.Be vigilant if you use Internet cafs orLearn German Online
a computer that is not your own. Use website keypads to enter your PIN rather than typing it on the keyboard.Follow all bank instructions about destroying new PIN numbers and expired bank cards. Also consider destroying unneeded statements that may contain sensitive personal information.Check your statements regularly to identify any erroneous or criminal transactions.Do not just close the window when you complete your Internet banking session. Log off properly.For more tips visit standardbank.co.za.Good ideas for great passwordsUse something that is easy to remember, such as an acronym from a favourite saying or phrase. For example, roygbiv" is based on the colours of the rainbow, (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).Substitute some letters with numbers, eg, r0ygb1v".What NOT to use:Your ID number, phone number, bank PIN, or birth dates of yourself, partners, family or friends.An English dictionary word. (Words in another language can make good passwords that are harder for others to guess.)A similar password to a user name. (Apart from being easy to guess, you may end up confusing the two.)Old passwords.Article Source: articlesnatchAbout the Author:This Article is written by an expert at Small Capital. Small Capital provides all important information for small business owners. Small Capital shares expert and professional knowledge of the local market and business environment. To find more information on setting up a network in computers, best free computer software for new systems or Tags: setting up a network in computers