Backups Re-visited 

A while ago I posted about backups being very important.  I also said that a USB Thumb drive would be sufficient.  I would like to correct that!!

USB thumb drives are getting better all the time and can store data for long periods but are never a fully reliable data backup device. 

On the home front, a 500Gb External Hard Disk is appropriate for backing up documents, photos and e-mails.  Perhaps burn a DVD of the same material every month too.

On a business level (no matter what sized business, home or small office) you need to have a robust, daily backup procedure, preferably an automated one.

Please, PLEASE!!!!!! Backup.  The 10 minutes spent backing up those precious wedding or baby photos can save you much heartache down the track.  I've already had to tell a few people that they will never see their beloved photos again.

New Malware - Antivirus 2008/2009

Some e-mails are going around that require you to download and install a "Video Codec" or variations on a theme, in order to be able to view the video that is attached to the e-mail.

You then end up with a fake Virus Scanner that keeps telling you that you are infected and should pay money to remove the infection (varies from strain to strain).

Generally, your computer should be able to play any video file that is commonly sent as an attachement so if you get such an e-mail, just be careful.  It may be best not to open it, no matter how tempting.

I've had a few jobs lately trying to remove this thing and it is a costly exercise!

As always, make sure your Anti Virus and Anti Malware programs are up-to-date.

Is your Wireless Home Network secure? 

I accidently left my PDA on WiFi mode the other day and as I drove home from a job, my PDA kept informing me that it was able to connect to wireless networks.

I realised what was happening.  As I drove past peoples houses, their wireless signal was strong enough to reach my PDA in my car as I drove past! Roughly 50% of these networks were not secured.  I was able to connect to them briefly before I drove out of range.  

The scary part is, these networks would have allowed me to access files and the Internet for free!  No one would know. Are people around you able to access files on your computer because your wireless Internet access isn't secure? 

If you aren't sure then contact me now 9414 5565.  I'll come out and have a look at your wireless network.  If it isn't secure then we can secure it on the spot.  Standard call out fees apply Home Support Prices