Emergency Plans for your Business

I'm sitting at the computer updating a website and .....blink! The power goes out and down goes the computer.
I'm rudely reminded that I need to replace the battery UPS backup unit for my computer which died on me a few weeks ago. ( Note to self.... order the item listed above today.)

Luckily, I had already saved the file I was working on. So, no harm done this time.

This episode in potential loss of data reminds me that we are now in hurricane season here in Texas. Just a few years ago Hurricane Rita came thru here and we had to evacuate. For many people that meant they no longer had access to computerized client files, email and their bookkeeping records for weeks.

I on the other hand had prepared a basic plan of backups and duplicated systems that allowed me to grab my laptop and one box of files and still be able to run my business.

There are several ways to protect your business and personal computer files. Here are some tips:

• Do regular backups of important files to a flash 'thumb' drive or a external portable hard drive. ( you can just unplug it and take it with you )
• Be sure to have a master list of important account access logins/passwords saved. You can also keep this on your backup thumb drive. Be sure to password protect the file.
• Sync your outlook calendar and contacts to an online calendar service like Yahoo. You can then be assured of accessing your address book/calendar from any computer with Internet access.
• Protect your computer from damage from power loss or power surges. Use a UPS with battery backup. It keeps your computer running during power blinks and outages. Allowing you time to save your work and shutdown without data loss.
• Keep your firewall and anti-virus, anti-spy ware software current and schedule regular scans.