1. HYPERLINK quot;
http://ourmalaysia.org/computer/10_proven_tips_to_survive_a_computer_crash.htmlquot;
10 PROVEN TIPS TO SURVIVE A COMPUTER CRASH<br />10 PROVEN TIPS TO SURVIVE A COMPUTER CRASHBy Eve Abbott, excerpted from her new book, How to Do Space Age Work with a Stone Age Brain TMCOMPUTER CRASHDo these words strike fear into you? If not, maybe they should! A computer crash is at best time consuming and expensive, and at worst a genuine business disaster. Here are things you can do now to prevent a crash and/or insure a smooth recovery whether you use your computer at work or for your personal life-or both, like me!The first rule in minimizing computer disasters is backup. The second rule in easier data recovery is BackUp. The third rule in computer organizing is BACKUP. I am astounded at the number of people (in large and small businesses) who do not back up their work regularly. Without good backups, you risk losing everything if your hard drive goes belly-up. Start by setting all of your programs to save automatically after 2 minutes. This will protect your work against temporary freeze-ups and unplanned shutdowns. Second, plug your computer, monitor, and other electronic equipment into a UPS Battery Backup unit to protect it from power surges and outages. A unit like this one will give you 5 minutes to save your work and shut down your computer normally if the power goes out.Then-BACK UP! (If you're not sure what the best way to back up is, keep reading.)I bought a brand new Hewlett Packard Pavilion XP system and began to back up weekly. Seven months later, I returned from making a cup of tea to hear my computer going click-click-click loudly. My hard drive had just crashed for no reason at all. As is often the case, I lost everything on it.I felt confident because I had my data backed up by copying my entire working C-drive onto a CD-but even with backups, and even if your computer is still under warranty, let's get realistic about how much time and money a crash can end up costing you.It took four days for me to get the special shipping box HP sent me to return the computer. They replaced the hard drive, and it was returned within 10 business days at no charge for repair and shipping. This still adds up to three weeks without my computer.First, I rented a laptop and spent hours installing the programs I normally use. Laptop rental cost me $250.00 for one month, with a $500 refundable deposit. I could have rented a desktop system for a little less per month, but I would have had to wait a week to get the computer. It was great to have the laptop to use until my repaired computer arrived. But, I had to go through the same restoration process again when it was returned with a new hard drive. More time lost and more frustration, too.Second, I spent hours importing my data from backup CDs. I still lost almost a week's worth of data (Quicken entries, Word documents, calendar and contact information) because that's how long I go between backups.Third, I spent hours recreating the custom settings on my software. Fourth, I had to install some smaller programs that I'd forgotten I would need.THE DAMAGE: Sometimes data can be recovered from a dead drive, depending on what has caused the crash. Professional data recovery services charge from $500 to $1500 to get your data back, and you have to pay whether or not they recover anything.You can find more information about data recovery services at http://www.drlabs.com/pricing.html and http://www.dtidata.com/data_recovery.asp.I paid $1,000.00 in computer consultant fees to get the laptop set up, and my computer taken apart and set up again to get it running A-OK. That's apart from data recovery costs, which my backups saved me from having to pay.The grand total: $1,250.00 and 7 days in lost time. Pretty expensive considering that I had all my current data backed up onto CDs. BACKUP OPTIONSThere are many ways to back up information. Diskette, CD, Zip drive, External hard drive and Web (on-line). I will not discuss tape drive backups simply because tape media is unreliable and awkward compared to newer technologies. If you have more than one computer, you can back up from one to another via network drives-but that only protects you in the event that disaster strikes one machine at a time. There are four questions you need to ask yourself regarding your back-ups:1) How critical is your data? (My business and life are on my hard drive = critical)2) Do you add or process high volumes of information?3) In what time frame do you add enough to make it a real loss? (day, week, per project)4) Do you work with very large files of any type?The more information you process or add to your computer hard drive, the more often you need to back up. For high volume or crucial files you need to backup daily.Diskette:There is the small file backup onto diskette. For example, you just entered a lot of Quicken data and you don't want to take a chance on losing it but you don't want to do a full back up, or you have a single Word file, just pop it on a diskette. Remember to label any and all backup media with contents and date.ZIP drives and disks:ZIP drives and disks can work well for back ups of larger projects. I had a client who was an author and she kept one ZIP disk for each of her books, which contained every file related to the book - not just the text. If you are satisfied using a ZIP drive and disks for your data storage - don't change to another media. Note: many more people have CDs than zips, so if you need to share data you may need to switch to CDs.CD:In the same way you archive paper every year after taxes (along with a backup of your accounting program and data), consider backing up entire projects onto CD when you're finished. This keeps the data available and safe, without cluttering your hard drive. You can file a project closeout CD with the matching archived paper files. Or keep a variety of backups in a CD organizer (date labeled) divided up into Projects, Backups and Programs.The backup CDs I use are 'data only' to safeguard important information in case a problem develops in between system backups. If you are going to archive (e.g., taxes) and may not access the backup for a long time - go with CDs. CDs are more stable, and you are less likely to run into trouble with irretrievable data. Always use premium brand-name CDs (or other media). Discount media is more likely to fail.Disk 'Cloning':For $70 or less, you can back up your entire drive (operating system, programs and data) using quot;
disk cloningquot;
software (Norton Ghost, Paragon Drive Backup, or PowerQuest Drive Image. You can store this quot;
imagequot;
of your drive on removable media like CDs and ZIP disks, on tape, or on an external hard drive.You'll still have to spend a lot of time doing the backups and most people will end up with a set of at least 10 CDs for each backup, since the copy of your drive will take up about 50% of the storage space as your drive itself. (That's not the size of your whole drive, just the part you have filled up.)You can get more information about disk cloning software at:http://www.powerquest.com/driveimage/http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/http://www.acronis.com/products/trueimage/http://www.drive-backup.com/Web:There are on-line services (e.g., www.connected.com) which will automatically back up your computer (either totally or just the changed files). This backup and restore option is limited only by the speed of your connection to the internet. Some people leave their computer on all night to do the backups. The reverse process will be more complicated, because you cannot restore directly from the web. Many information technology and graphics professionals use web services because of the massive files they process each day.Your backup files are stored on their server. This is good because it is off-site in case of disaster recovery. Unfortunately, your data is only as secure as the server it is on. I don't use this option, because I don't think there is any function on the internet that is as secure as doing it myself and keeping control over all the data at all times. If you don't use massive files, you don't need it.External Hard Drive (XHD):I chose this option after my crash disaster because I can recreate my entire system without the wasted time of restoring my operating system and settings, downloading programs and data from backups, and resetting application customizations, etc.An external hard drive ($200) with 'disk cloning' software lets you put your entire drive onto your backups. If you don't use the ghosting software you can only put programs, and data backups onto the external hard drive, not the operating system itself. The ghosting software will enable you to make a 'boot disk' just for restoring from the external hard drive to your main computer.This option will allow you to completely restore your computer, if necessary (with no hard drive damage). Or, install a new hard drive on your computer and then restore immediately. Just plug the external hard drive into the computer and start the backup, which verifies the data. Then, you unplug the external hard drive. This takes about fifteen minutes total for my backups. After backing up, I store the XHD in the trunk of my car (in a laptop case for protection). Even if the house burns down I still have my entire computer capability just outside in my car.First, put an XHD ghost of just your operating system and programs with all the custom settings. Second, do a ghost of your entire system (operating system, programs and data). Third, do regular working drive data backups. Make sure any programs you ever use are in the second XHD backup, and/or in your working hard drive for your 'regular maintenance' backups.I can get a new computer, copy everything I need and get to work. One possible downside to this; if you have to 'recover' on a new computer with a new system (different configuration and drivers), you will have trouble using the restored system until you reload the correct drivers and eliminate the 'old' ones.Backup, BackUp, BACKUP!So, how can you combine these different backup choices to work in your particular situation?Take the simplest method that will safeguard your information. If all you need is a diskette file box for backups - great!I use the XHD once a week for a programs and data backup. In between I use diskettes or CDs, depending on the size of the files and how long I want to maintain them. There is enough room on my XHD to put 4 total system-program-data backups of my entire XP system into it. Once, you've done an operating system backup, unless you change your configurations or programs, you don't need to do it again. For regular maintenance, do your working 'data' drive.If you do nothing, you are guaranteed to have a disaster sooner or later. Choose what works best for you and set a reminder to BACKUP as often as you need to stay sane when it does happen.For more time saving tips go to http://www.organize.comCopyright 2005 Eve Abbott. All rights reserved.<br />About the Author <br />Copyright, Eve Abbott All Rights Reserved. The Organizer Extraordinaire's new book quot;
How to Do Space Age Work with a Stone Age Brainquot;
TM is available online at http://www.organize.com Sign up for more time-saving tips. Enjoy free brain quizzes to help you work at your personal best! Eve’s guide is the first book to offer easy, online assessments that will help you make your own personal organizing solutions match your individual work style.Written by: Eve Abbott, the Organizer Extraordinaire<br />NAVIGATION<br />10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer Without Upgrading10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection10 Secrets To A Healthy Computer And A Happier You10 Tips on Computer Clutter Clean Up14 Household Ways To Protect Your Computer From Viruses3 Simple Ways To Save A Bunch Of Money When Buying A New Computer3 Summer Computer Tips30 Secrets Of A Good Computer Lesson4 Computer Money saving Tips5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed5 Stress Reducing Computer Tips5 Sure Fire Tips for Buying a New Computer5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer5 Tips to Color Code Your Way from Computer Chaos to Coherence5 Ways To Make Night And Weekend Computer Life Rich5th generation Computers Corporate infrastructure6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Computer On the Internet For Free6 tips for Keeping Aurora Away from your computer and 1 tip to Fix it if Aurora has Gotten You7 Barebones Computer Buying TipsA Guide to Computer DesksA Hacker Inside Your ComputerA Look at Computer Desks for ChildrenAdvancement in Computer TechnologyAdware Are Your Business s Computers SecureAll About Computer VirusesAn eBay Computer PurchaseAre cyber criminals phishing your identity from your computerAre You At The Mercy Of Computer GeeksAre You Being Mislead By Your Current Computer DealerAre You Making Any Money With Your Computer YetAre You Saving Money With a Computer Support PlanAvoiding Spam Scams and Computer VirusesBack that Thang UP Insure the Data on Your ComputerBasic Computer ThermodynamicsBe Prepared in the Event Computer Disaster StrikesBeat The Bugs Helpful Links That May Help You Combat Annoying Computer VirusesBecoming a Computer TrainerBeeps Your computer is telling you somethingBroadcasting Mp3 Audio Via Computer The Looney Tune World Of PodcastingBuild your first computer from hardware scratchesBuild Your Own ComputerBuild Your Own Computer or BuyBuild Your Own Computer What to Look for in a CaseBuy a home through your home computerBuying a computer Ask these 3 questionsBuying a Used Laptop ComputerBuying computers at a discount with peace of mindBuying DDR memory for your computerBuying Guide for Laptops Personal Computers NotebooksBuying the Perfect Computer The FIRST TimeCareer Track Computer ProgrammerCareer Track Computer Software EngineersChoosing a Laptop Computer Based on Hardware and Software NeedsClassification of ComputersCombat Computer Spyware An AntiSpyware Program Isn t EnoughComputer Aided Design Contracting Tax Concerns In The UKCOMPUTER BACKUPSComputer Business Opportunity Provide Huge Profit PotentialComputer Buying Advice For NovicesComputer CareerComputer Case ModdingComputer Cases The BasicsComputer Certification Anticipation vs NervousnessComputer Certification Become A Utility PlayerComputer CleaningComputer Cleaning May Be The Best Home Based Part time or Full time BusinessComputer Components for IdiotsComputer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips Part 1 of 2Computer Consulting Profit SecretsComputer Controlled LED SignsCOMPUTER COURTESYComputer Data Backup Data Backup Solution Will Give You A Peace Of MindComputer Data Backups Test Now or Cry LaterComputer Data Recovery OptionsComputer Disposal Throwing Away Your Computer Money and IdenityComputer Do s and Don tsComputer Equipment Disposals and RecyclingComputer Geeks and Garden GnomesComputer Graphics They re Not All The SameComputer Hacks Quacks Looking for CracksComputer Hardware Preventive Maintenance SoftwareComputer Help Desk Stupid Questions brought to you by Computer Service Now CSNComputer Homeschooling the added advantage in african american children s education Part 1Computer Hygiene Take Out The TrashComputer In The Shop What Do You Do NowComputer InsuranceComputer Loans An opportunity to have a computer of your ownComputer Loans Become Techno Savvy the Easier WayComputer Maintenance and Improving PC PerformanceComputer Monitor Buying GuideComputer Network DesigningComputer Network InstallationComputer Profits From Home What s Right for YouComputer Rental Worth Your MoneyComputer Rentals The Best Classroom Computer Training SolutionComputer Running Slow Here s One ReasonComputer Security What Exactly Is ItComputer software Excellent pricesComputer Software Genres That Help Students ThinkComputer SOS Inc Release of Upgraded League Management Software PackageComputer Support London Network Support London Network Installation LondonComputer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate ProfitablyComputer TraumasCOMPUTER VIRUS THREATENS MY HOME BUSINESSComputer Virus Writer s A Few Bats In The BelfryComputer Viruses are Bad LuckComputer Viruses Worms and HoaxesComputers and Internet Inspiring Us to CreateComputers and Web Cams are Taking Communication to Levels Only Imagined in Sci Fi NovelsComputers Are Not ScaryComputers are Running My LifeComputers Freedom and PrivacyComputers Introverts and the Information AgeComputers You CAN Master Any ProgramCoping with a Serious Data Loss from your Computer Hard DriveCorporate infrastructure for Fifth generation ComputersCorporate Promotional Gifts The Fridge Magnet Is Dead Long Live the Computer DesktopCountering the Spread of Spyware on your ComputerD BUST Your Computer Part 1 Instructions for Microsoft UsersD BUST Your Computer Part 2 for Microsoft usersD BUST Your Computer Part 3 for Microsoft usersD BUST Your Computer Part 4 a for Microsoft usersD BUST Your Computer Part 4 bD BUST Your Computer Part 4 cD BUST Your Computer Part 4 dD BUST Your Computer Part 5Definitions for Computer Modding and Form FactorDell Computer Corporation Recall of Latitude Inspiron Laptop AC AdaptersDetecting and Eliminating Computer Viruses at the GatewayDid You Ever Want to Completely Erase Everything on Your ComputerDifferent Categories of Computer GamesDirty Little Computer Viruses and How To Protect YourselfDistance Learning and Elearning for Computer TechsDo The Media Spread Computer VirusesDo You Feel Used by ComputersDo You Know How To Remove Spyware From Your ComputerDo you know who is snooping around your computer right nowDo you need computer trainingDual core computer processors luxury or necessityDusting Your Computer Keeping it CoolExpansion Slots Cards and Bays Choosing the right computer caseExtending the Life of Your Business or Personal Computer PrinterFinally An Understandable Introduction To ComputersFive Simple Steps to Speed up Your ComputerFocus On White Collar Crime Accounting Fraud and Computer Crimes Creates Need For Qualified InvestigatorsGaming Computers and Computer ModdingGet Ahead When You Build Your Own ComputerGet Started in Computer Game CreationGet Valuable Computer Based Training Online FREEGetting Started In Information Technology Computer ConsultingGood News Bad News of Computer Security from a Keen Non TechieGuide on How to Land Computer JobsHackers Given Access to IRS ComputersHardware for Computer DesksHave You Invited A Spy Into Your ComputerHealthy Webmasters Choose Ergonomic Computer ProductsHeliodisplay Computer Video With No ScreenHelp Keep the Computers on Earth Clean and HealthyHelp Keep The Computers On Earth Clean And Healthy Protect Your Techno Friends From Viruses And SicknessHelp My Computer s Being InvadedHelp There s an Intruder in my ComputerHidden information is stored on your computer about every url you ever visitHome Computer Desks A Variety of OptionsHome Office Tip 2 Computer Health HazardsHow a Computer Consulting Business Can Help Your CompanyHow Much Money would it cost you to regain the use of your computer after a serious virus infectionHow Protected are You Safeguard Your Small Business from Computer VirusesHow Safe is Your Critical Business Data on Your Computer SystemHow Spyware Blaster Can Protect Your Computer From HarmHow to backup your computer dataHow to Backup Your Computer FilesHow to Become a Computer ConsultantHow To Buy The Right ComputerHow to choose a new hard drive for your computerHow to choose your computerHow To Deal With Computer ProblemsHow to Get a FREE Computer Scale Printer from DHLHOW TO GET THE COMPUTER YOU WANT WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNEHow to Have Your Computer Cake and Keep Your Family TooHow To Keep Your Computer Virus FreeHow To Optimize Your Online Time Through Efficient Computer UseHow to Prevent Computer Security Risk and How to Keep Your Small Business SafeHow To Prevent Spyware Attacking Your ComputerHow To Recognize If Your Computer Has A Virus Or Trojan On ItHow to reduce Computer problemsHow to safeguard your computerHow To Save Big Bucks On A Laptop ComputerHow To Stop The 1 Cause Of Computer Slow Downs And CrashesHow To Take Care Of Your Laptop ComputerHow To Take Good Care Of Your Computer Even If You Are A Clueless NewbieHow To Work At Home Using Your Computer Even If You Can t TypeHow Viruses and Spyware Get In to your computerHR MANAGERS USE COMPUTER FORENSICS TO INVESTIGATE EMPLOYEE ALLEGATIONSHurricanes Wilma Katrina And Rita Force Businesses To Rethink ComputerI Spy Something Terribly Wrong In Your ComputerIf You Had Problems in the Past with a Computer Virus Then You ll Want to Know How Easy it is to Setup Firewall ProtectionImage conversion In ComputersImportant Steps to Protect your Computer from HurricanesIn Computer Memory what is CAS LatencyIs DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Computer BackupIs Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down To A CrawlIs your Computer a friend or a Dirty NameIs your Computer Infected with SpywareIs Your Computer SickIs Your Computer Slow and Sluggish Take These Steps To Speed It UpIs Your Computer Strong Enough For A work From Home Internet BusinessJobs Online How To Get Your Computer to Work For YOUKeep A Diary Of Your ComputerKeep Computer Training Simple PleaseKeeping your Computer Spyware Free for FreeLaptop Computer Extras for the Mobile TravelerLaptop Computers and the PVP EffectLCD Touch Screen Computer MonitorLearn How To Hide Files and Folders On Your ComputerLearning Math and Dosage Calculations Using a Computer ProgramLocal Company gains Four Nominations in Computer Trade OscarsMake a place for computers in children s worldmake alot of mney using ur computerMake your computer read selected text from any application with a single keystrokeMake Your Fortune in Computer ServicesMake your own Computer Software without ProgrammingMCSE CCNA How To Choose A Computer CertificationMore Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips Part 2 of 2My Computer is Making a Strange NoiseMy dad listens to music all day on his computerNewbie Of course you can make money working from home on your computerNo Computer SoundNotebook or Desktop Computer Which Should You ChooseOne Way to Solve Memory Problems with your ComputerOptimize Your Computer For Peak PerformanceOrganization Tips How to Organise Your Computer FilesOrganizing Your Desktop Computer Desktop That IsParanoia or Are Public Internet Computers DangerousPerformance Computer Chips For Cars And Trucksphysical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables computersPreventing Malicious Spyware or Adware from Hijacking Your ComputerProtect and Secure Your Computer LifeProtect Your ComputerProtect your Computer and Internet PrivacyProtect Your Computer and Your BusinessProtect Your Computer And Your Personal Information From SpywareProtect Your Computer System With A Comprehensive Security PolicyProtecting Your Computer from Adware and SpywareQuick Guide to Computer TrainingRackmount Computer KeyboardsRackmount Computer Monitors Provide DependabilityRead Chinese Online How To Configure Your Computer To Display Chinese CharactersReal Estate Records In The Computer AgeRefurbished Computers on the InternetReinstall Windows XP On Your ComputerRemoving Bargain Buddy Adware from your ComputerReviving Old Computer GamesSecrets to SpyProofing Your Computer In Four Easy StepsSecure Your Data Windows Data Backup Computer SoftwareSecuring your Computer to Keep Up with Internet ThreatsSecurity necessities to prevent your computer from SpywareSee How To Revive A Dead ComputerSetting up Your New Computer How To Move Your Old Files to Your New ComputerShould You Buy A Cheap Computer DeskSome Computer Forensics BasicsSpeed Up Your Computer Inner cleansing tips for your pcSpyware Protection A Must for Any Home ComputerStarting A Home Computer Business Is Still SmartSuccess at Work Techniques Computer LiteracySurvival Without ComputersTen Great Careers For Computer GeeksThe ABCs Of Computer MemoryThe Benifits of Assembling Your Own ComputerThe Charm of an Oak Computer DeskThe Complete Guide To Spotting Computer Spies Recording DevicesThe Computer Friendly ResumeThe computer virus that could take advantage of youThe Cost of Spyware on your ComputerThe Evolution of Technology The History of ComputersThe Flexibility of Roll Top Computer DesksThe Future Of Computer Certification ExamsThe Great Underutilized ComputerThe Hidden Benefit Of Computer CertificationsThe History Of Laptop ComputersThe Need for Rackmount Computer CasesThe Newbie s Guide to Personal Computer MaintenanceThe Secret Computer Virus That is Virtually UndetectableThe Single Least Expensive Yet Most Valuable Way to Upgrade Your Computer s PerformanceThe Top Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore by Kai ChandlerThe Trials and Tribulations of A Confused ComputerThe Trials and Tribulations Of Learning A New Computer SkillThinking about earning your computer degree onlineThree Things You Can Do to Keep Your Computer Running at Maximum PerformanceTips for Buying a First ComputerTips For Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories SuppliesTips For the Late Blooming Computer UserTop 10 things everyone must know about computer virusesTop 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Computer VirusesTransfer The Digital Camera Images To Your ComputerTwelve Things You Should Know to Save on Computer SoftwareTwelve Threats No Computer User Should IgnoreTypes of computer infectionsUltimate Checklist On How To Revive A Dead ComputerUnderstanding Computer MemoryUnderstanding the Software Layers of a ComputerUnleash The Dragon Inside Your ComputerUpdate your computer system with bad credit computer financingUse Internet Resources To Get Rid Of Computer VirusesUse Your Computer For Your Entertainment NeedsUser Friendliness Do Computers Have to be Clinical and BoringWARNING Do not buy a computer until you read thisWatch Out For eBay Automobile And Computer ScamsWatch out for spyware programs that slow down your computer systemWatch Out For Spyware Programs That Slows Down Your Computer SystemWhat are Rackmount ComputersWhat is a Protocol the communications between computers on a networkWhat Is Computer Programming AnywayWHAT IS SPYWARE AND HOW DO I REMOVE IT FROM MY COMPUTERWhat Paper or Computer Files Should You KeepWhat s in a Computer NameWhat to look for in a Computer Classroom RentalWhen to rent a laptop computerWhich Notebook Computer Has Your Name On ItWho s Peering Into Your ComputerWhy Build Your Own Gaming ComputerWHY CONSULTANTS DON T TELL ABOUT COMPUTER SECURITYWhy Do I Need Anti Virus Software For My ComputerWhy More Women Should Consider a Career in Computer ProgrammingWireless The new trend in Computer Rentals and Projector RentalsWork A Home Computer Jobs Are PlentifulWork At Home Computer Jobs Can Give You FreedomWork From Home Using ComputerYou Can Stop Computer VirusesYou Voice On Your Own ComputerYour Affiliate Business Peripherals Software ComputersYour Computer Can t Keep TimeYour Computer May Be Infected Here s how to checkYour Computer May Be Infected Here s How To Check NOT about virusYOUR PRIVACY EXPOSED Computer Forensics International uncovers secrets about recycled hard drivesZen and the Art of Buying Computer Parts<br />