| -link"> | | | | Computer DataBackup Systems |
| | | | Testing a tape for a sample restore job is also a |
| If you’re like most small business owners, | | | | great timeto clean the heads of the backup drive if |
| your computerdata backups are one of those things | | | | your backup systemrequires this kind of maintenance. |
| that you rarely payattention to. Computer data | | | | Restoring a few hundred megabytes (MB) of data to |
| backups are kind of likeflossing your teeth and eating | | | | a scratchdirectory and running a head-cleaning tape |
| low-fat, high-fiber foods...everyone knows what | | | | should take nomore than 15 to 30 minutes. |
| they’re supposed to do... but how | | | | When running a test restore job, always restore the |
| manyREALLY do these things religiously?!? | | | | data toan alternate server folder path, so as not to |
| Unfortunately when it comes to your computer data | | | | disrupt theuse of any shared folders. |
| backupshowever, complacency can be very | | | | Building a Computer System Backup and Restore |
| dangerous. Of course, it’salways a good idea | | | | ProcedureChecklistIn times of crisis, the most crucial |
| to have a local computer service companythat you | | | | issue becomes howquickly you can get the data |
| can rely on for advice on selecting and | | | | back onto your system,undamaged. So, as you build |
| maintainingyour computer data backups. But, unless | | | | your computer data backupsystem, be sure to |
| you’re prepared toput a full-time PC support | | | | document your test procedures into handychecklists. |
| person on your company’s payroll,it’s | | | | This documentation also can be great for |
| really important that you get some basic | | | | cross-training andcrucial for avoiding panic during an |
| understandingof the major issues with computer data | | | | emergency. Be sure youhave a hard copy of this |
| backups. | | | | documentation next to your systemand stored |
| So here’s a compilation of some really crucial | | | | off-site with your backup media. |
| tips oncomputer data backups that I’ve put | | | | Watching the Log Files of Your Computer Data |
| together, after nearly15 years of helping small | | | | Backup System |
| businesses protect their valuablecomputer data files. | | | | In addition to running test restore jobs, you must |
| Test your computer data backups regularly and | | | | inspectyour computer data backup system log files |
| monitor theirlog files. | | | | daily. When thebackup system is first installed, take |
| To be effective, computer data backups must be | | | | time to get familiarwith the way log files look when |
| highlyautomated to ensure that jobs are launched | | | | everything is working. Thisway, if something goes |
| consistently andcorrectly, but your computer data | | | | awry, you’ll be better prepared topinpoint the |
| backup system also needsto be watched over | | | | nature of the problem immediately. |
| diligently to make sure it continues tofunction reliably. | | | | As network operating system (NOS) suites and |
| Unfortunately, monitoring the computer data backup | | | | backup softwarehave become more sophisticated, |
| systemgenerally isn’t a priority until something | | | | it’s now possible to monitorbackup system log |
| goes wrong. Bythen it’s too late. Like the | | | | files remotely and more proactively. Inmost cases, |
| article title says, "Test Nowor Cry Later!" | | | | the backup system log files are just plain text(.txt) |
| People have a strong tendency with a computer data | | | | files. |
| backupsystem to set it and forget it. Automation | | | | Many third-party tools and utilities, as well as |
| clearly has manybenefits, but a totally hands-off | | | | thoseincluded with Microsoft BackOffice Small |
| approach can be verydangerous if no one is | | | | Business Server(SBS) and Microsoft BackOffice |
| overseeing your computer data backupprocess. | | | | Server, can automatically e-mail or fax a backup |
| Test and Then Test Again: VERY Important with | | | | system log file at a preconfiguredtime. |
| Computer DataBackup Systems | | | | Automatically and Remotely Monitoring Tape Backup |
| With any newly installed computer data backup | | | | Log Files |
| system, don'tassume everything works correctly | | | | Many computer consultants have their small business |
| right out of the box. Evenmore important, don't take | | | | clients’log files automatically e-mailed to them |
| for granted that your backupsystem will continue | | | | daily, so theconsultants proactively can watch out for |
| working indefinitely. You needperiodically to restore | | | | potential problemswith the computer data backup |
| some folders and files from yourbackup media to | | | | system. |
| validate that your computer data backupsystem still | | | | However, don’t think this proactive monitoring |
| works. | | | | is limited toprofessional consultants. If your company |
| If your automated computer data backup routine is | | | | has one or morebranch offices you support from a |
| configuredto include a verify run with each backup | | | | centralized location, youalso can use a similar method |
| job, testing asample restore job monthly should be | | | | to monitor backup systemhealth in remote locations. |
| adequate. However, ifyou have an extremely low | | | | For greater flexibility, you can set up an e-mail alias |
| tolerance for risk, you may wantto simulate a sample | | | | sothe computer data backup system log file |
| restore job once a week. | | | | automatically issent to you, your second-in-command |
| The Hazard of Moving Parts and Open Design with | | | | and perhaps an externalcomputer consultant... so you |
| ComputerBackup Systems | | | | are all kept in the loop.Also, this way, monitoring |
| Why do you need to take these precautions if | | | | continues even when you’re out ofthe office |
| you’repurchasing a reliable, business-class | | | | or on vacation. |
| computer data backupsystem to start with? | | | | The Bottom Line |
| Typically, a tape drive or otherbackup device is one | | | | If your small business depends greatly on its |
| of the few components in a PC or serverthat still | | | | computersystems, backing up your data is not |
| have moving parts. | | | | optional... and it isnot something that can be casually |
| As a result, it’s more prone to mechanical | | | | brushed to the backburner. |
| failure. Inaddition, because a backup device generally | | | | Use the computer data backup tips in the articles to |
| is open, asopposed to the sealed design of a hard | | | | helpyou become a more IT-aware small business |
| drive, it’s easy forthe inside of the computer | | | | owner. Andremember, when it comes to computer |
| data backup system device toattract a significant | | | | data backups, "Test Nowor Cry Later". The choice is |
| dust buildup in a relatively shortperiod of time. | | | | yours. |
| Sample Restore Jobs and Cleaning Tape Heads of | | | | |