Is your Data Safe? Backup Recommendations!

Backing up your data is probably one of the most important things you can do, yet most people put this off, only realizing how important it is after the fact. Backing up should protect your data from the following: Hard Drive Failure, Disasters (House Fire/Water Damage/Natural Disasters), Theft/Stolen PC or Laptop, or something even as simple as accidentally deleting an important file.  Many think that using an external hard drive to backup is sufficient, and although it is better than nothing; there are now solutions that are better, easier, and more reliable.

Some Facts:

• Up to 13% of hard drives fail every year - Carnegie Mellon University, 2007
• Approximately 2 million laptops are stolen every year, and only 2% are ever recovered. - FBI, 2008
• 50% of computer users have lost or accidentally deleted files from their primary computer. -Chadwick Martin Bailey, 2010

The above isn't meant to scare you, but to make you aware of how important it is to make sure you have up to date backups of your important data.  The best method of doing this is to use what everyone refers to as 'the cloud'.  There are many companies out there that handle this type of backup, but R3 Consulting highly recommends the services from Carbonite.com. 


Here are some of the benefits of using the Carbonite Backup Solution.

1. Set it. Forget it. And Relax
   Just install Carbonite and it starts backing up your files - automatically and in the background. Once installed, you'll 'never' have to remember to back up again. The backup runs continuously in the background, backing up new and changed files whenever your computer is connected to the internet.
2. If you lose a file, get it back fast!
   If you accidentally delete a file or folder, it will remain in your backup for 30 days before deleting from carbonite.  During this time, you can recover it right from your desktop using the carbonite application. Carbonite also keeps 'versions' of certain documents like Word/Excel. Each time you 'save' a file, carbonite keeps the history. So if you accidentally overwrite a document, you can go restore any of the prior versions.
3. One Price, Unlimited!
   As noted in the intro, carbonite home plans charge one annual fee, for unlimited storage. As hard drives get larger, you don't have to worry about overages.
4. 3 Home Plans Available, all Unlimited!
   Carbonite Home - Basic plan, protects entire computer hard drive.  $59/yr
   Carbonite Home Plus - Basic plan, plus 1 External Hard Drive Backup, and Mirror Image. Mirror Image creates an EXACT Image of your computer and in the event you need to replace a failed HD, you can use this image to restore your computer back to that point. You do not have to reinstall programs again. $99/yr
   Carbonite Home Premier - Carbonite Home Plus, plus Courier Recovery Service. This provides you with the fastest recovery possible. If you have a very large backup, it may take a few days to redownload the backup. With this service, they will ship you your backup for the fastest recovery time. $149/yr.
5. Remote File Access
   Although not a backup feature, since carbonite is storing your backup in the cloud, their web interface allows you to access your files/backup remotely. They have integrated this into the iOS and Android mobile apps as well, so it is kind of like a remote access functionality allowing you to access your files when away from your computer.
6. Carbonite Mobile Backup - Free
   Literally just announced within the past few days, Carbonite now is able to backup your mobile phone. For iOS and Android users, you can download the app free. If you are a carbonite client it will link to your account, if you are not, then you create one for free.  It allows you to backup your mobile phone pictures/videos, and also adds services if the phone is lost or stolen (such as mobile phone tracking via GPS, remote phone lock and wiping.

As you can see, R3 Consulting is a STRONG advocate of using carbonite for your backup solution. We use it personally to back up our home computers, and have it installed on many client computers.  During the past year we have used carbonite to 'restore' files when hard drives have crashed, it is easy and quick.  Although R3 Consulting does offer hard drive recovery services if/when your hard drive fails, this should be a last resort option as it doesn't always recover all data, plus recovered data can have the tendency to be partially corrupted. Carbonite is a much easier and more reliable solution.

If interested, by clicking the link below, you will be able to install and use Carbonite FREE for 2 weeks (No Credit Card required). If you decide to purchase during or after your trial you will also recieve an additional 2 months added on to your plan by using the link below.

Click here to signup for Carbonite's Free 2 Week Trial

 

 

Best Regards,
Rob Richman - President
R3 Consulting, LLC

UPS Battery Backup for Computers.

Whether you have a brand new computer or a computer that is six years old, they definitely have one thing in common; They do not like to be suddenly turned off.  The power outage is a computer's worst enemy.  Software is more complex and computers are doing more things now at the same time then ever before; so when the computer turns off unexpectedly, bad things are sure to happen, and most likely that means file corruption.  Windows has gotten better and in most cases the system does some self-healing and you're on your way, but more times than not the system is left crippled.  The good news is, there is an easy and quick preventative solution to this problem, and that is called a UPS Battery Backup. Most people have heard of them but tend to overlook their importance, thinking their surge protector is sufficient.

Surge Protectors only protect against 'Surges', however UPS Units protect from additional power issues indicated below.

I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to have a UPS Battery backup system. There are multiple companies that make UPS Systems, such as APC, CyberPower, and Tripp Lite.  Regardless of which brand you get, I would like to take a few minutes to explain some of the more important features and information.

1. VA - This stands for Voltage Amps. This is one of the main numbers they use in advertising. I won't bore you with the meaning, but just know, the higher the VA number, the larger the battery capacity, meaning longer runtimes. Most home computer system are fine with the 450VA units, however for the few extra dollars i would go with atleast a 685VA or higher.

2. Watts - This number will represent the max watts the battery can output.  Again, without boring you with details, the larger this number the bigger the battery capacity, meaning longer runtimes.

3. AVR - This stands for Automatic Voltage Regulator.  This is 'VERY' important.  This feature is typically on the higher end units, but in my opinion is definitely worth it.  What this does is regulates the voltage that the computer recieves so it is always a pure clean signal. There are times when the power doesn't necessarily go completely out (blackout), but the voltage drops or sags (brownout).  Computers do not like this, and typical UPS Systems may trigger the battery, whereas the AVR feature kicks in and regulates it without having to trip the battery all the time. This saves on the wear and tear of the battery, providing a longer battery life.

4. Battery Replaceable Units - Most higher end units have replaceable batteries. Batteries typically last 3-5 years depending on how often they are tripped. With the higher end units costing $150-$200+, the batteries usually are replaceable for half the cost of a unit. This is good since you do not have to buy a new unit when/if the battery fails, and you can get another 3-5 years of life.


R3 Recommends the following units:

CyberPower AVR685 ($72)- Includes AVR Technology, has 685VA Rating, has 8 receptacles 4 have Battery Support, All have Surge Protection. They have wide spaces for 'bulky plugs'. It is flat and more typical of what you may be used to.







CyberPower 1500AVRLCD ($150)- This is 1500VA and has AVR Technology. This is one of the largest capactity consumer level UPS's out there. It has an LCD Screen which provides you detailed info.  This is a standup unit, so you need some more room, but has plenty of receptacles. This may be overkill for some users.






If you are looking to purchase a UPS Unit and want help choosing the right model or you need help replacing a UPS Battery on your current unit, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Best Regards,
Rob Richman - President
R3 Consulting, LLC