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Backup Computer Data
Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later
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The article, Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later, touches on topic area of backup computer data, dell computer keyboard and related issues. Enjoy!
If you're like most small business owners, your computer
data backups are one of those things that you rarely pay
attention to. Computer data backups are kind of like
flossing your teeth and eating low-fat, high-fiber foods...
everyone knows what they're supposed to do... but how many
REALLY do these things religiously'!'
Unfortunately when it comes to your computer data backups
however, complacency can be very dangerous. Of course, it's
always a good idea to have a local computer service company
that you can rely on for advice on selecting and maintaining
your computer data backups. But, unless you're prepared to
put a full-time PC support person on your company's payroll,
it's really important that you get some basic understanding
of the major issues with computer data backups.
So here's a compilation of some really crucial tips on
computer data backups that I've put together, after nearly
15 years of helping small businesses protect their valuable
computer data files.
Test your computer data backups regularly and monitor their
log files.
To be effective, computer data backups must be highly
automated to ensure that jobs are launched consistently and
correctly, but your computer data backup system also needs
to be watched over diligently to make sure it continues to
function reliably.
Unfortunately, monitoring the computer data backup system
generally isn't a priority until something goes wrong. By
then it's too late. Like the article title says, "Test Now
Here we explore the issue of backup computer data right here. To learn more about backup computer data, read on.
or Cry Later!"
People have a strong tendency with a computer data backup
system to set it and forget it. Automation clearly has many
benefits, but a totally hands-off approach can be very
dangerous if no one is overseeing your computer data backup
process.
Test and Then Test Again: VERY Important with Computer Data
Backup Systems
With any newly installed computer data backup system, don't
assume everything works correctly right out of the box. Even
more important, don't take for granted that your backup
system will continue working indefinitely. You need
periodically to restore some folders and files from your
backup media to validate that your computer data backup
system still works.
If your automated computer data backup routine is configured
to include a verify run with each backup job, testing a
sample restore job monthly should be adequate. However, if
you have an extremely low tolerance for risk, you may want
to simulate a sample restore job once a week.
The Hazard of Moving Parts and Open Design with Computer
Backup Systems
Why do you need to take these precautions if you're
purchasing a reliable, business-class computer data backup
system to start with' Typically, a tape drive or other
backup device is one of the few components in a PC or server
that still have moving parts.
As a result, it's more prone to mechanical failure. In
addition, because a backup device generally is open, as
opposed to the sealed design of a hard drive, it's easy for
the inside of the computer data backup system device to
attract a significant dust buildup in a relatively short
period of time.
Sample Restore Jobs and Cleaning Tape Heads of Computer Data
Backup Systems
Testing a tape for a sample restore job is also a great time
to clean the heads of the backup drive if your backup system
requires this kind of maintenance.
Restoring a few hundred megabytes (MB) of data to a scratch
directory and running a head-cleaning tape should take no
more than 15 to 30 minutes.
When running a test restore job, always restore the data to
an alternate server folder path, so as not to disrupt the
use of any shared folders.
Building a Computer System Backup and Restore Procedure
Checklist
In times of crisis, the most crucial issue becomes how
quickly you can get the data back onto your system,
undamaged. So, as you build your computer data backup
system, be sure to document your test procedures into handy
checklists.
This documentation also can be great for cross-training and
crucial for avoiding panic during an emergency. Be sure you
have a hard copy of this documentation next to your system
and stored off-site with your backup ......
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