Quick Tips for those who need an über geek

Stress-free computing.

Some day the unthinkable may happen, a hardware crash, fire, or even a virus and suddenly you’re thrown into the murky waters of trying to remember when your last backup of data was, but also, where is it? Did you use a DVD-R, flash drive, sheesh, who can remember. The reality is, your data is gone and you may not have a recent backup. Your personal and business files, financial records, photo albums and other critical, important data, poof, vanished in a flash! What about your emails? Even if you backed up the files you use daily, did you back up emails you’ve sent or received? If you haven’t, you may be missing critical data needed to move forward with a project, what about your online address book, do you have a text file with friends and relatives birthdays, emails and phone numbers, as well as clients pertinent data?

If you think the above scenario can’t happen to you, beware because it could and will. Hardware can be replaced and software programs reloaded, but your personally created data is irreplaceable. Backup your data and personal files regularly. It’s a small, smart and inexpensive insurance policy in case of an irrevocable loss of data.

When catastrophe strikes, and the über geek knows it will, he’s worked with countless companies and individuals during painful data losses, a computer snafu always occurs when you least expect it, but if you’ve backed up regularly, you’ll be able to replace your files and be up and running as if it never happened. You need the security of knowing that your data can be accessed today, tomorrow or two years from now.

Some Tips.

• Create a custom back-up plan based on how important your data is, and how often it needs updating. We back up once every two weeks, but you should do it more frequently for critical, hard-to-replace data.
• Back up to a secure medium, like CDs, DVDs, external hard drives or Zip disks. Store backups in a safe, cool, dry area that is separate from your computer work area. Some people even take their important digital files and put the medium in a safety deposit box. Important things may need that kind of security. Documents to safe guard would certainly be scans of your social security card, your partners and children, if you have any; along with scans of birth certificates and passports.
• Keep your anti-virus and spyware software current and set for “Auto Protect” so it’s always protecting your computer. Don’t forget to run Adaware if you use the web frequently and download a lot of data off websites, pay for music sites and the like. Check bi-monthly for the latest software updates.
• Remember, if you’re on a PC, Windows and Outlook are very buggy and prone to problems from viruses. Check for Windows critical/security updates once a month and install recommended security and privacy patches.

Spyware.

Did you know that almost every computer connected to the web has spyware or adware? Spyware secretly tracks and collects information about a person’s web visiting habits and then relays that information to advertisers and other “interested parties.” Who knows if they are malicious or not? Heavy web surfing and downloading can cause a dramatic slow down of your computer locally and while on the web. Don’t be fooled into thinking you should replace your computer because it seems less expensive than having the über geek help you, because it is more expensive to buy a new machine instead of just fixing the one you have.

There is not one particular spyware removal or protection software that effectively tackles these insidious invasions alone. We use a legion of software and manual techniques, learned over hundreds of personal visits and working with unique as well as mundane problems on both the Mac and PC. The good news is that once spyware and adware is completely removed, spyware protection software can effectively protect you from further infiltration. You have the right to your own personal techno geek.

By nature technology is flawed, and while you bank your life on your data located on your computer, the reality is that problems can threaten your home or office, so give the über geek a call, we have constant, round-the-clock service. So, seek out the über geek, we can help!