Backups and Archiving

1) Plan your backup

The first step is to determine what needs to be backed up. How and what to backup are personal decisions based on how you use your computer. The following are some examples.

Basic system: Data only

Do you use your computer for personal use with its original factory configuration and perhaps an additional program or two? Consider a Data Only Backup Solution. Frequency of Backups would depend on how often information is added or changed. The more often you add or change files, the more often you should back them up. For programs like Outlook and Quicken, where it’s not obvious where their data are kept; their help files usually describe how to back them up.

Complex system: Hard drive imaging plus separate data backup

Do you have a large number of programs installed and/or complex configurations that would take many hours to recreate? Would you or your business suffer if you had to take the time to set everything up from scratch? Consider a disk imaging solution. A disk image, created with a program such as Symantec’s Ghost, is an exact copy of an entire hard drive. Create a new disk image every time a major system change is made. Then Backup your data as needed.

Business system: Automated, complete system backup

Does your computer contain real-time business data that changes frequently? Consider an automated software backup solution and redundant hardware systems. Implement a backup media rotation system and rotate a set off site. Super critical systems warrant complete backup computers and even entire off-premise facilities, called hot-sites.

Things to consider

Try to implement the simplest plan possible which will still accomplish your goals. The less effort it takes to back up your computer, the more likely you will have a current backup when you need it. For example: configure your applications so they keep their data in a central location. By doing this, a backup can be accomplished by simply copying that one folder to a blank CD.

The programs and operating system on your computer are interconnected. A portion (Just the OS or a single Application) will not function apart from the whole. Data files, on the other hand, are portable. Backup (and restore) either the entire computer or just the data; anything else won’t work. In addition, operating systems are unique to the machine on which they were installed. If you restore an OS onto a different computer, it most likely will not work. There are ways around this problem, but they are difficult to implement. If you are dealing with irreparable or stolen hardware, your most straightforward option is to install your programs onto a replacement computer and restore only data.

Even if you choose a complete disk backup solution, not all the files need to be backed up. Some commercial music or video files are encoded so they will only work on the unit where they were originally downloaded. Whether they can be used on a different or recovered system depends on the Digital Rights Management (DRM) scheme used. Also, things like the Internet Cache and temporary files folders have no value. Backing them up will only waste your time and space on your backup media.

2) Determine if backup software is necessary

For most basic backups, simply copying the files to external media is adequate. For more complex situations, backup software can provide added flexibility. Backup software allows you to specify what parts of your computer you wish to include and exclude from the backup. They allow you to make Incremental or Differential backups, where only the files that have changed since the last backup session are copied, speeding the backup process.

Most backup programs also have a schedule or timer feature, which can perform the backup after office hours. If the selected media cannot contain the entire archive, some programs allow backups to span multiple pieces of media. The resulting media can contain the following: Plain files (copy), disk images (Ghost), and archive files (backup programs). Everything except for the plain file copy requires using the creating program to restore files.

In order to restore a backup, you need a functioning computer. Some backup programs come with bootable disks, which will allow you to use a computer with a corrupted (non-bootable) operating system. Many programs even support performing a data restore over network connections.

3) Select where you are going to put your backup

Once you know what needs to be backed up and how you can select appropriate media, some things to consider include the following:

• Will the media hold the entire backup, or will you have to "babysit" and swap in blank media as needed?


• How long it will take to run the backup?


• Do you want multiple sets of backup media to rotate off-site? (This can be difficult with an external hard disk drive, but easier with tapes or recordable DVDs if the amount of data is not too great.)

Some people opt not to use removable media at all and instead synchronize their data across multiple computers, such as between their home and office. Others choose on-line data warehouses on the Internet where they can store their backups. And still others put their trust in redundant (mirrored) drive systems. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what’s right for you.

Media	Avg. Capacity	Speed	Pros and Cons
USB "Thumb" Drives	2GB and up	Fast	Small, easily lost or damaged
Recordable Optical Disks	650MB (CD) 4.7 - 9.4GB (DVD)	Medium	Inexpensive, easily damaged
Removable Disks	1.4MB (floppy) 500MB+ (MO)	Varies	Media can be expensive, availability issues
External Hard Drives	80 - 1TB	Very Fast	Huge capacity, fast, may not be very portable
Local Area Network (Shared server storage)	Varies	Medium	Requires network, ties up network bandwidth
Internet-Based Backup	Varies	Slow	Off-Site, accessible anywhere, requires broadband; ongoing cost
Network Attached Storage (NAS) Stand-Alone Storage (SAS)	Varies	Medium	Requires network, can tie up network bandwidth
RAID (mirroring)	Varies	Very Fast	Real time, requires no user intervention, no off-site storage or history

4) Make a recovery plan and recovery kit

The best time to determine how to restore a system is not in the middle of a crisis. Consider making a written plan of the steps necessary to restore your computer before it is needed. Keep this plan updated and, if possible, test it to make sure it works. In addition, test your backups, making sure the media is readable and that it contains everything it is supposed to.



If your hard drive fails catastrophically, having a current backup can be
critical.

Be aware that viruses and other malicious programs are just files on the
hard drive and can inadvertently be included. A comprehensive anti-virus package should be used on every computer.

Create a recovery kit and keep it in a secure, but accessible, location.
If your backup contains critical Business information, two copies are suggested, keep on on-site for immediate access, and a second copy off-site as a precaution against catastrophic events.

Your recovery kit should contain the following:

• An up-to-date copy of your recovery plan


• Operating System or restore CDs and product key


• All application installation CDs and their product keys


• All programs needed to recover the backup data


• Anything else needed to make this or another computer functional

Windows XP includes a backup utility that can save your files to removable media, a different hard drive, or a network drive.

Note: It does not directly support burning to recordable CD or DVD media.

Windows 7 Backup application adds an option to create an emergency boot disk and can make a complete system backup or incremental backup either at a scheduled time or on demand.



Backup 2.0.2 is available to .Mac members by selecting the Backup icon on the .Mac website and via Automatic Software Update to .Mac members who have already installed a previous version of Backup.

If you use OS X 10.5 or 10.6 and are a subscriber to MobileMe, download the current version of MobileMe Backup to keep items in your Home folder in sync across multiple computers and devices. This includes email, contacts, calendar, bookmarks and other content. To backup items outside of the Home folder, Apple suggests using Time Machine, which can back up your entire hard drive to a Time Capsule, hard drive, or network volume.

What is eSATA?

External SATA, also known as eSATA was standardized in 2004 as a means of connecting external hard drives to the SATA bus, as USB 2.0 was limited to 480Mbps and Firewire was limited to 400Mbps. External SATA uses a different type of connector that does not have the L-Shape of a typical SATA drive and has recessed pins to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge.

On the left is a typical SATA connector. On the right is an eSATA connector

An external power source is required for an eSATA connection, and so most eSATA hard drives or drive enclosures provide their own source of power for the drive in use.

An example of an eSATA port

Images from Wikipedia, released under the GNU license: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

Important Announcement from Micro Center regarding Intel Series 6 Chipsets

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets, which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors (code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

Some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this issue yet, but there is a possibility that this could affect a significant percentage of users eventually, and could possibly worsen over a three year period.

Please be assured that Micro Center will stand behind every customer who purchased a system or a motherboard from us that features this chipset. Intel has already made the necessary change in the manufacturing process to correct the error, and properly functioning replacements will be available in approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

To minimize the disruption to you, we suggest that you continue to use your system until replacement parts are available. Micro Center customers who purchased a "Sandy Bridge" system should be receiving correspondence from us soon outlining our plans with Intel to correct the faulty issue. Should you have questions in the meantime, please feel free to visit your local Micro Center store or contact our national support center to speak to one of our Knowledge Experts for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no problem with the Intel 2nd Generation Core Processors themselves.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and our assurance that we will keep you informed of any further developments.

For additional information, please visit:
http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/CS-032263.htm

Networking Terms

For Day 2 of Networking 101, we are going to review some basic networking terminology. This information can be useful when configuring your home network and choosing the right hardware.

802.11
A networking standard established by the IEEE for LAN protocols. There are several levels of 802.11 standard: a, b, g, and n. Each represents a different bandwidth, frequency, data rate and network range.  802.11n is the current standard.

Protocol	Bandwidth	Frequency	Data Rate (Mbit/sec)	Indoor Range
802.11a	20	5	6-54	35
802.11b	20	2.4	6-54	38
802.11g	20	2.4	7.2-72	38
802.11n	20-40	2.4/5	15-150	70

Bandwidth
Refers to the transmission capacity of a network or network device.

Broadband
Wide band of frequencies for transmitting data. For Internet service, broadband describes the type of service available such as cable or DSL. Broadband cable supports data rates up to 30Mbsp, but DSL is normally limited to only 10Mbps.

DHCP
DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is an automatic configuration protocol used for configuration on Internet Protocol (or IP) Networks. This can be a local area network using a router with DHCP, or when connecting to the internet.  DHCP allows a computer to be configured automatically, eliminating the need for human intervention when connecting to a network. DHCP works by keeping a central database and assigning numbered addresses called IP Addresses to computers on the network in order to relay information to and from them, which prevents computers from ending up with the same IP Address, accidentally or otherwise. Without a DHCP server (behind a network switch, for example) each computer must have its IP address configured manually.

DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. Type of broadband connection that uses a phone-line to connect to the Internet. Typically, DSL provides only 10Mbps which is slower than cable broadband service.

Encryption
The process of securing data by converting it into cyphertext so it cannot be easily read while in transmission. This process is based on a key system in which the sender shares a translation key with the receiver to decrypt the data.

Ethernet
A network protocol developed by IEEE that describes how data is placed on and retrieved from a networking device. Ethernet is commonly used for LAN (local area networks).

Gateway
A device that connects two different networks to one another.  Example: the Internet.

Host
A computer that is connected to a network that provides information and resources.

IP Address
A 32-bit number that identifies a computer or device on a network.

LAN
Local Area Network.  Describes the computers and networking hardware within a single home or office.

NAT
NAT or Network Address Translation is the name of a process for modifying network addresses information in an IP (Internet Protocol) packet. NAT is done by a router, and it translates incoming packets from the Internet in to local network packets so that they can be transferred to the correct location – one of the computers connected to the router. NAT is typically used by a router to allow multiple host computers to connect to the Internet using a single public IP address, acting as a gateway.

PPPoE
PPPoE is a connection protocol that is used mainly by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to give access to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) High speed internet service. It increases the capability of the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) by allowing a connection over Ethernet. PPPoE also uses the same standards of authentication, encryption, and compression as PPP. PPPoE encapsulates PPP frames inside Ethernet frames to transmit data from the Internet to a DSL modem, which is then translated into data that your computer understands, when using the provided software.

SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.  This is a standard email protocol for transmitting and receiving email.

Subnet  Mask
Part of an IP Address that designates the size of the network. When computers are grouped together into a subnet, each system is identified with a common IP address to determine their location. The default value is normally 255.255.255.0.

TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is basic communication method for the Internet. TCP/IP requires that the recipient acknowledge the data sent.

Reference:
Belkin. Support.
http://bit.ly/c8xBGm

D-Link. Help Glossary.
http://bit.ly/g1jXWQ

Linksys. Learning Center.
http://bit.ly/fEswve

Networking 101

This week, we are going to focus on networking - specifically setting up your own home network and troubleshooting hardware issues.

Today, we are going to provide some frequently asked questions and solutions for setting up your router:

Q: How can I protect my router from unauthorized wireless access?
A: Wireless routers can be secured from unauthorized access and hackers by adding a wireless security key or encryption key. For more information, see the manual included with the router either in paper form or on the setup disc.

Q: Which wireless security type is the most secure?
A: WPA2 is the most secure wireless network encryption type. For additional security, use a password of at least ten characters with mixed letters, numbers and special characters.

Q: What is WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)?
A: WiFi Protected Setup or WPS is a system that allows the wireless networking function of the router to be set up without physical connection using a PIN.

Q: What is the difference between a Router and a Switch?
A: First, a router can also provide wireless network access. The purpose of a router is to join the WAN (Wide Area Network, or The Internet) with your LAN (Local Area/Home Network) for the purpose of Internet connection sharing, as well as local file sharing. A switch allows one computer to access the Internet and other machines must connect to the Internet through that machine.

Q: How can my router be reset to its factory settings?
A: There is a reset button on the back of the router in pin-hole labeled Reset. While the router is on, press this reset button for 30 seconds, then reset the router by unplugging the power and it will be back at factory settings.

Q: Does my router have a built-in firewall?
A: Yes, by default a router will not allow incoming connections unless specified by a local program or port forward setup.