Archive for September, 2011
The Business Benefits of Cloud Computing for Remote Data Access and Storage
Offsite data access and backup solutions present companies with multiple office locations and remote office workers a number of benefits that conventional desktop and network storage systems can’t provide.
Every office requires a repository where all vital business data is stored, usually a network file server or network attached storage system (NAS). This server is connected to all the PCs that serve as workstations for all employees,allowing them access to stored data. But in the case of offices separated by distance, this access is tenuous at best, and opening up the company’s internal data servers to remote access via the Internet might lead to potential security risks open the company’s network to potential security risks.
Most businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, also don’t have the resources to develop a robust IT plan for data protection and business continuity. This means that in the event of a server crash or network connectivity issues, users can lose valuable data, which in turn can affect productivity and customer confidence.
Cloud-based data storage solutions are usually backed by a robust IT infrastructure that combines multiple layers of security and redundancy to ensure that clients’ files and data are kept safe and secure.
With the help of a reliable cloud computing provider, businesses can take advantage of the benefits of migrating their storage and backup requirements to the cloud. Learn more about cloud-based services for small and medium-sized business by visiting AllCovered.com.
Anti-virus Tools And Why We Need Them
Have you ever read online or had a friend tell you about how their computer stopped responding, an error screen popped up, or even maybe that there computer was compromised. If so then you have heard about some of the horror stories associated with computer viruses and the damage they can do. However there is hope though it is called an Anti-virus. These programs were designed to help keep our computers safe from attacks. Think of it this way your computer gets a cold (virus) and you give it cold medicine (the anti-virus).
There are a variety of Anti-viruses out there, some are extremely expensive and huge monstrous programs while others are free and not really that large. One free anti-virus is AVG Free Edition from GRISOFT. There are versions of the programs that cost, however for most home computers the free version will work fine. Another fact about some anti-viruses is that not all come with spy ware and Trojan protection; make sure to see what yours has and what you might need.
When it comes to any program a little bit of common sense is recommended. First you need to know what operating system you are running, and how many Megabytes your computer has in it. When you know these things then you can see if your PC meets their requirements for installation. If not I do not recommend running the software, for the simple fact if it is to big to run while your computers operating system and few other programs like the internet is running then I just don’t recommend doing it. However if your computer meets the requirements then by all means go for it.
Any one who wants to get their moneys worth out of their PC will have a good anti-virus installed. And free of course.
10 Steps To A Safe, Smooth Running PC
10 Steps To A Safe, Smooth Running PC By Michael A Silva
These ten steps will help you increase your computer’s security. From discovering viruses to learning how to avoid them, this article is a must read!
Windows password This is the easiest way to make sure you know who is using your pc. Choose a lengthy password that contains capital and lower case letters. Including a number or two will greatly increase your security. Having a Windows password means that the only people that can log onto a Windows session are people that you have granted access to.
Password manager You should never write your passwords down. Using the same password all the time will also make it very easy for hackers to reach your personal information. So if you can’t write it down and you’re not
supposed to use the same one – how are you supposed to keep track of all of your passwords? The easiest way to do this is to use a password manager. We prefer to use Roboform. Roboform is an easy to use password and profile manager that docks neatly into your Internet Explorer toolbar and keeps track of all of your passwords for you. Roboform also uses a master password system. You will have one password that accesses all of the passwords in the program. This way you can keep all of your information safe and secure. You can download Roboform for free by http://www.roboform.com.
Spyware Remover Next to spam, spyware is the internet’s biggest annoyance. By definition, spyware is “any software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Once installed, the spyware
monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.” The amount of spyware that exists on your pc is dependent on the amount of internet surfing you do. A good rule of thumb here is to scan for spyware once per week or whenever poor system performance surfaces. If you don’t have a spyware scanner, we recommend http://www.webroot.com.
Antivirus This should go without saying, but if your computer is connected to the internet you need antivirus software. With weekly scans and program updates you should be protected from most threats. For added protection, we
recommend using more than one anvtivirus scanner.
Firewall A firewall will keep unwanted visitors out of your computer. You can obtain a firewall either by using software application like ZoneAlarm or Black Ice Defender, or by using a router with your internet connection. For more information on routers plese visit http://www.Linksys.com.
File sharing Basically, file sharing programs are the single biggest security risk you will come across. This is because the only facts you have about the files you are downloading are the file name and the file size. It is quite simple to change a filename to dupe someone into downloading a virus or other malware like keystroke recorders. Our advice – stay away from file sharing at all costs. If you need to use it, make sure you have updated antivirus software installed and running.
Research In a sentence – know what’s out there. http://www.Symantec.com has a section on their website that will serve you well. Knowing what types of viruses exist and how to avoid them will make you a much smarter internet user.
Email protection Most of the antivirus applications available offer email scanning. If yours does not, you will want to get one that does. Email scanning will make sure all of your incoming and outgoing emails are safe for both you and the recipient. Email viruses spread very quickly by using your address book to propagate. Never read email from people you don’t know and always make sure your email scanner is active.
Network security Another way that viruses spread is through computer networks. We have a few quick tips to keep your network safe. Always scan any files that come in from other computers. Even if it’s a file you have brought from home. Never allow a file to be placed on your network until it
has been scanned. The main server should be the only computer with file sharing enabled. By not allowing computer users to transmit files, you can quickly neutralize a threat.
Maintenance Performing weekly virus and spyware scans will go a long way to keeping your computer safe. Defragmenting weekly will also greatly improve performance. If you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a safe and smooth running pc. Not to mention less headaches!
By following these ten guide lines, you will greatly improve the performance of your computer. You will also generate peace of mind as you gain a new sense of security.
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