It’s back up week.

All computer users, from home users to professional information security officers, should back
up the critical data they have on their desktops, laptops, servers, and even mobile devices to
protect it from loss or corruption. Saving just one backup file may not be enough to safeguard
your information. To increase your chances of recovering lost or corrupted data, follow the 3-2-1 rule:
3 – Keep 3 copies of any important file: 1 primary and 2 backups.
2 – Keep the files on 2 different media types to protect against different types of hazards.
1 – Store 1 copy offsite (e.g., outside your home or business facility).

What to use: hard disk, usb thumb drive, cd, dvd, floppy, solid state drive, the cloud??? The the answer depends on your particular situation and needs. If you need assistance, Computer Guy Consulting can help you or your business figure it out. Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Backing up is way easier than emergency data recovery!

10 Security Steps for a safer pc and online experience

Step 1. Have a 3-2-1 backup solution.
Step 2. Test your backup solution by restoring some test files.
Step 3. Use strong passwords with a password manager.
Step 4. Have a router firewall in addition to the Windows firewall.
Step 5. Run and keep updated anti-malware software.
Step 6. Have updated alternative browsers and search engines.
Step 7. Applications: Should be patched and updated.
Step 8. Don’t run in administrator mode, use a standard account.
Step 9. Consider using a tablet for nonessential websurfing.
Step 10. Use common sense when something unexpected pops up.

If you don’t know how to deal with some of these steps feel free to call Computer Guy Consulting for a consultation. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to computer disasters. The time to implement these steps is while everything is still pure and not corrupted. Protect your business and home computers by using these 10 security steps.

Is your email hacked?

Why would anyone want to hack my email account?? Well, lots of reasons but all of them want to steal your digital info.

This diagram is worth 1000 words for sure. We all use online services and have website accounts that can put you in a compromised situation should one be hacked. If you need help with a hacked email account or computer give me a call. Don’t wait until your information, identity, or finances are compromised.

data recovery, data back up systems, computer repair, upgrades, network set up, WiFi installations, small business support for hardware and software, security assessments and solutions, virus and malware removal and prevention

Computer Clean Up

Computers need cleaning too! If your pc needs a “cleaning” computer guy consulting can give you a check up and tune to keep your machine humming along. We will advise you on your security status as well as your back up strategy. You do have a back up strategy right? You can spend your time running your business with peace of mind that your computer is clean, backing up, and optimized.

Computer Guy Consulting also provides sales and services for all your pc needs. Dell authorized resellers providing pcs and servers for home and business. Services include: consulting in shop and onsite, data recovery, virus removal, network set up, wifi for business with multiple access points to cover larger areas, configuration of hardware and software, remote monitoring and management of business pcs and networks, and all types of troubleshooting.

Call for a free phone consultation about your tech issues.

Be Afraid…very afraid…CryptoLocker is here

CryptoLocker is a very nasty malware that encrypts your data. Read more at: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/cryptolocker.asp

The only way to get your data back is to pay a ransom to obtain an encryption key. Watch out for drive by downloads and phony email attachments. Your only defense after the infection is to have good back ups. If you need help making sure this can not happen to you, call Computer Guy Consulting and I will help you plan making sure you have a copy of your data in the event something like the cryptolocker malware was to happen to you. Peace of mind is priceless. Be prepared.

Computer Guy Consulting offers: remote management and tech support, on site consulting services, managed back up systems, data recovery, and small business IT services.

Data, Data, Data

Data back up, data transfer, data recovery. Get piece of mind by knowing your data are safe. Hardware and software can be repaired and replaced. Your data are priceless, once it is gone its gone. Here at Computer Guy we “do” data. If you need data piece of mind give us a call.

Back Up -Be Sure

Make sure you have a back up. You should have 3 copies of important files. For example: have one file saved in my documents on the pc, have one copy on your usb thumb drive, and have an automatic back up to an internet based service. Never trust your “digital eggs” to one basket. Hard drives fail frequently. USB drives sometimes stop working properly. Your internet based service could be interrupted by outages. Three copies should be enough to keep you from losing anything.

Here at Computer Guy we help people figure IT out. Back up systems, computer repairs, software issues, virus and spyware removal, network and internet installation and support. If you are a small business and need help Computer Guy Consulting can help you with all your small business IT support. Give us a call for a free network evaluation.