Introduction
Have you ever experienced a situation where you placed your flash drive into the computer, the computer recognized it but you were unable to access the information? No matter how much you tried, you got the message that you had to format your drive. It happened to me. I visited the United States for the first and only time and had a wonderful experience. However, I placed all my pictures and videos on my flash drive and when I tried to access them, to my horror, I was greeted with a similar message. Thankfully I discovered a way that allowed me to get a full recovery of all my data.
Lets Talk Partitions
A partition is a dividing structure like a wall or curtain in a room that separates one room from another. For a storage device in computing, a partition can be conceptualized as an area on the drive that is set aside for saving data. In Windows systems, the hard drive must be partitioned before the operating system like Windows 7 can be placed onto it. Windows installation CD allows up to four partitions to be placed on the same hard drive. This means I can place, for example, Windows 7, Vista, Xp and 2000 on the same hard drive but on four different partitions or compartments of the drive. And when the system is switched on, I will get the opportunity to choose which of the four installation of Windows I would like to use. Usually the primary partition is called "C" and the other partitions, if any, will be given available letters such as "D", "E" and so on. So we hear of "the C drive" which means partition C. Now you have a pretty good understanding of partitions.
Recovering Lost Partitions
In my case, something went terribly wrong with the partition on my flash drive so windows could not open it. Fortunately I discovered a program "Find and Mount" that was able to locate my partition. "Find and Mount" will locate the partition(s) on the drive and provide you with the opportunity to mount them using a drive letter. Then Windows will open the mounted drive like any other regular drive. You will see all the information on the flash drive but it will be "read only" meaning that you cannot alter it. But you will be able to save all your information to another location. In this way I was able to recover all my irreplaceable memories some of which I had even forgotten. "Find and mount" works not only on flash drives but on hard drives as well. There is a free version and a paid version. Both have the same options only that the paid version works faster. Nevertheless, for domestic use, the free version is all that you need. So I hope you have read this before throwing away your flash drive or hard drive that refused to open. Your partitions may still be accessible. You might very well be able to get it back.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Adware Versus Spyware
Introduction
Viruses aren't the only things that computer users have to deal with. Everyone wants to feel safe while surfing the net. However, surfing the net exposes us to the risk of being exploited by people using malicious software. Are adware and spyware malicious software? Is there a difference?
Adware
Adware refers to Advertising-supported software. These programs display advertisements on the user's computer. Advertising is important. Customers benefit from advertising because they are made aware of goods and services that they may want. Sellers benefit because they can increase their sales through advertising. Perhaps most free programs on the internet contain adware. The user is able to utilize the program for free and the developers also benefit by generating money through the advertisements displayed in the program. A win win situation.
Spyware
But developers of software may not just want to display advertisement on the user's computer while he or she is running the software. They may also desire to collect information about the user's browsing habits so as to provide a more targeted kind of advertising based on the user's browsing history. This is at the point where Adware turns into Spyware. Companies may state in the user's agreement that the program will collect such information and the user must agree to these terms and conditions before he or she is able to install the program. But how many of us read these terms which may be couched in legal jargon difficult to understand.
However, the reality of spyware goes far beyond tracking browsing history. Spyware operates on stealth and deception. The user may unknowingly install the spyware or he may be tricked into believing that he is installing a particular program when he is installing something else or installing the desired program but unknowingly installing malicious spyware programs that came bundled with it. Spyware is very dangerous. Spyware can gather information from one's hard drive allowing the attacker to obtain unauthorized information like trade secrets. It can even gather passwords and credit card information! Frightening indeed.
Protecting Yourself
Good anti-virus programs can also detect spyware. Some anti-virus developers produce anti-spyware specifically designed to target spyware. If you are an online shopper or involved in e-banking, anti-spyware in addition to anti-virus is a must. There are numerous anti-spyware available. I personally like Ad-Adware by Lavasoft and Windows Defender (free by Microsoft). Note that Windows Defender is a standard program placed in Vista and Windows 7 but can be used on Windows Xp Sp2 and later. Adware that is true adware may be desirable but spyware is disastrous.
Viruses aren't the only things that computer users have to deal with. Everyone wants to feel safe while surfing the net. However, surfing the net exposes us to the risk of being exploited by people using malicious software. Are adware and spyware malicious software? Is there a difference?
Adware
Adware refers to Advertising-supported software. These programs display advertisements on the user's computer. Advertising is important. Customers benefit from advertising because they are made aware of goods and services that they may want. Sellers benefit because they can increase their sales through advertising. Perhaps most free programs on the internet contain adware. The user is able to utilize the program for free and the developers also benefit by generating money through the advertisements displayed in the program. A win win situation.
Spyware
But developers of software may not just want to display advertisement on the user's computer while he or she is running the software. They may also desire to collect information about the user's browsing habits so as to provide a more targeted kind of advertising based on the user's browsing history. This is at the point where Adware turns into Spyware. Companies may state in the user's agreement that the program will collect such information and the user must agree to these terms and conditions before he or she is able to install the program. But how many of us read these terms which may be couched in legal jargon difficult to understand.
However, the reality of spyware goes far beyond tracking browsing history. Spyware operates on stealth and deception. The user may unknowingly install the spyware or he may be tricked into believing that he is installing a particular program when he is installing something else or installing the desired program but unknowingly installing malicious spyware programs that came bundled with it. Spyware is very dangerous. Spyware can gather information from one's hard drive allowing the attacker to obtain unauthorized information like trade secrets. It can even gather passwords and credit card information! Frightening indeed.
Protecting Yourself
Good anti-virus programs can also detect spyware. Some anti-virus developers produce anti-spyware specifically designed to target spyware. If you are an online shopper or involved in e-banking, anti-spyware in addition to anti-virus is a must. There are numerous anti-spyware available. I personally like Ad-Adware by Lavasoft and Windows Defender (free by Microsoft). Note that Windows Defender is a standard program placed in Vista and Windows 7 but can be used on Windows Xp Sp2 and later. Adware that is true adware may be desirable but spyware is disastrous.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Managing Your User Accounts
Introduction
Many people only have one user account (the "Computer Administrator" account) or if they have more than one, they always log in with the Administrator account. This is a poor practice because it increases their security risk.
Two Account Types
When setting up a user account, the system will ask you to choose between a "Computer Administrator" account and a "Limited" account. The "Computer Administrator" account gives you full access to and control over your system. The Limited" account as its name suggests gives you partial control of and restricted access to your system.
Use Your Accounts Wisely
The trick is that if you make it a practice to log in to your system with a limited account type, then if you forget to log off or step away from the computer for a brief moment, the risk of someone making system threatening changes to your computer deliberately or inadvertently is reduced. In other words you should have at least two user accounts: a "Computer Administrator" account that is password protected and a "Limited" account. Use the "Computer Administrator" account when you need to make changes that require you to have full access to the system. Then you should log off. Use the "Limited" account, preferably password protected, for everyday activities. You can create, modify and delete accounts under "User Accounts" which can be accessed from "Control Panel". The system doesn't allow you to have a limited account alone. There must be at least one Computer Administrator account. The best practice is to have both types.
Many people only have one user account (the "Computer Administrator" account) or if they have more than one, they always log in with the Administrator account. This is a poor practice because it increases their security risk.
Two Account Types
When setting up a user account, the system will ask you to choose between a "Computer Administrator" account and a "Limited" account. The "Computer Administrator" account gives you full access to and control over your system. The Limited" account as its name suggests gives you partial control of and restricted access to your system.
Use Your Accounts Wisely
The trick is that if you make it a practice to log in to your system with a limited account type, then if you forget to log off or step away from the computer for a brief moment, the risk of someone making system threatening changes to your computer deliberately or inadvertently is reduced. In other words you should have at least two user accounts: a "Computer Administrator" account that is password protected and a "Limited" account. Use the "Computer Administrator" account when you need to make changes that require you to have full access to the system. Then you should log off. Use the "Limited" account, preferably password protected, for everyday activities. You can create, modify and delete accounts under "User Accounts" which can be accessed from "Control Panel". The system doesn't allow you to have a limited account alone. There must be at least one Computer Administrator account. The best practice is to have both types.
Dealing with Viruses
Introduction
You may notice that your computer suddenly begins to behave sluggishly or in unexpected ways such as your settings have been automatically changed. These are signs that your computer may have been infected with a virus. There is much talk about viruses in the computer world. But what really is a virus?
What is a virus?
Basically, when speaking about living things, a virus is genetic material that can replicate itself in living organisms which may result in illness and or the eventual death of the organism. Viruses are the smallest living organisms. We know about the influenza virus and the virus HIV. The idea of a computer virus is much the same. Hence the word "virus" is a fitting name for the reality of computer viruses. A computer virus is a tiny program that can enter a computer system and damage it. So like a real virus, a computer virus is tiny, can replicate itself and can harm the system.
Use Protection Always!
Viruses can enter a system through a connection to a network, the biggest network being the internet, or through an infected medium such as a floppy, flash drive or CD/DVD. There are a number of safety practices that must be followed to reduce the risk of your computer becoming infected with a virus. Firstly, as mentioned in my previous post, your system should be up to date by using Automatic Updates. Secondly, you should install an anti-virus program. There are so many. Perhaps "Norton Anti-virus" is the most popular. You can google sites for reviews on the best anti-virus available on the market. There are also free anti-virus. My personal best, and some reviews agree with me, are "Avast" and "Avira AntiVir". There is no reason why you can't run both of them simultaneously. In fact, many people recommend this. So what one anti virus misses, the other may pick up. I have both running on my system which do a fantastic job together. By the way there are also paid versions which offer even more protection. Next, you must scan everything. If you place any removable medium into your drive, you should run a scan for viruses. Email attachments, even those sent from trusted friends, should be scanned. You never know if your friends' systems have been compromised without their knowledge which may result in you receiving emails that are infected with viruses. Software downloaded off the internet in particular must be scanned. Finally, periodically scan your system for viruses.
You may notice that your computer suddenly begins to behave sluggishly or in unexpected ways such as your settings have been automatically changed. These are signs that your computer may have been infected with a virus. There is much talk about viruses in the computer world. But what really is a virus?
What is a virus?
Basically, when speaking about living things, a virus is genetic material that can replicate itself in living organisms which may result in illness and or the eventual death of the organism. Viruses are the smallest living organisms. We know about the influenza virus and the virus HIV. The idea of a computer virus is much the same. Hence the word "virus" is a fitting name for the reality of computer viruses. A computer virus is a tiny program that can enter a computer system and damage it. So like a real virus, a computer virus is tiny, can replicate itself and can harm the system.
Use Protection Always!
Viruses can enter a system through a connection to a network, the biggest network being the internet, or through an infected medium such as a floppy, flash drive or CD/DVD. There are a number of safety practices that must be followed to reduce the risk of your computer becoming infected with a virus. Firstly, as mentioned in my previous post, your system should be up to date by using Automatic Updates. Secondly, you should install an anti-virus program. There are so many. Perhaps "Norton Anti-virus" is the most popular. You can google sites for reviews on the best anti-virus available on the market. There are also free anti-virus. My personal best, and some reviews agree with me, are "Avast" and "Avira AntiVir". There is no reason why you can't run both of them simultaneously. In fact, many people recommend this. So what one anti virus misses, the other may pick up. I have both running on my system which do a fantastic job together. By the way there are also paid versions which offer even more protection. Next, you must scan everything. If you place any removable medium into your drive, you should run a scan for viruses. Email attachments, even those sent from trusted friends, should be scanned. You never know if your friends' systems have been compromised without their knowledge which may result in you receiving emails that are infected with viruses. Software downloaded off the internet in particular must be scanned. Finally, periodically scan your system for viruses.
Don't Forget the Updates
Introduction
As the technology evolves, your computer needs to evolve with it and as issues are discovered they must be dealt with. Automatic Updates offer an efficient solution to keep pace with the evolving technology.
Different Kinds of Updates
When an operating system is created, for example Windows Xp, it is released to the public. However problems still arise even though the system went through a rigorous process of testing and retesting during its development. When bugs are discovered, programs are created to treat with these issues. These solutions are provided as updates. For example, the developers may discover that a certain program in the original Xp can be manipulated affording an intruder access to your system over the internet, new viruses may penetrate the system or that a program may crash under certain conditions. Thus some updates deal with security issues, others fix vital bugs and some provide tools that enhance the overall performance of the system. A number of updates may be bundled into a package referred to as a service pack. The first service pack for Xp was called service pack 1 (Sp1). With continual testing, Sp2 and Sp3 were created and released to the general public. This scenario goes on repeatedly. It was the same for Vista and it is not expected to be any different for Windows 7.
Automatic Updates Options
Four options are provided: "Automatic (recommended)", "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them", "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them. "Turn off Automatic Updates". Well turning off Automatic Updates is a bad idea - you simply will not get the essential updates that you need unless you are going to look for them yourself. And why would you want to do that? Deciding on which of the other three to activate, I guess, depends on you. If you are a person who is not too much into the technology and would like your computer to be at its best with the minimum of effort, well the first choice is for you. However,if you are the type where you want to see exactly what is going to be installed on your computer then you have a choice between the second and third options. Windows 7, Vista and Xp all have this facility. From Control Panel one may access Automatic Updates. Remember if you want your computer to treat you right, don't forget the updates.
As the technology evolves, your computer needs to evolve with it and as issues are discovered they must be dealt with. Automatic Updates offer an efficient solution to keep pace with the evolving technology.
Different Kinds of Updates
When an operating system is created, for example Windows Xp, it is released to the public. However problems still arise even though the system went through a rigorous process of testing and retesting during its development. When bugs are discovered, programs are created to treat with these issues. These solutions are provided as updates. For example, the developers may discover that a certain program in the original Xp can be manipulated affording an intruder access to your system over the internet, new viruses may penetrate the system or that a program may crash under certain conditions. Thus some updates deal with security issues, others fix vital bugs and some provide tools that enhance the overall performance of the system. A number of updates may be bundled into a package referred to as a service pack. The first service pack for Xp was called service pack 1 (Sp1). With continual testing, Sp2 and Sp3 were created and released to the general public. This scenario goes on repeatedly. It was the same for Vista and it is not expected to be any different for Windows 7.
Automatic Updates Options
Four options are provided: "Automatic (recommended)", "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them", "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them. "Turn off Automatic Updates". Well turning off Automatic Updates is a bad idea - you simply will not get the essential updates that you need unless you are going to look for them yourself. And why would you want to do that? Deciding on which of the other three to activate, I guess, depends on you. If you are a person who is not too much into the technology and would like your computer to be at its best with the minimum of effort, well the first choice is for you. However,if you are the type where you want to see exactly what is going to be installed on your computer then you have a choice between the second and third options. Windows 7, Vista and Xp all have this facility. From Control Panel one may access Automatic Updates. Remember if you want your computer to treat you right, don't forget the updates.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Firewall
Introduction
The computer like a living organism has defense mechanisms to optimize its ability to fight of attacks and maintain system integrity. The human body has different mechanisms to protect itself from harm and so does the computer. Three powerful computer mechanisms are Firewalls, Automatic Updates and Anti-viruses. Today I will chat about Firewalls.
Firewalls
A Literal firewall prevents fire from penetrating the building and similarly, a computer firewall prevents unauthorized programs like viruses and persons from penetrating the computer over the internet while at the same time allowing free communication with authorized people. One major implication of this is that your computer may block legitimate programs that you need to run in order to maximize your internet experience. Thus it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the firewall settings so that you can unblock or block programs as you see fit.
Accessing the Firewall
Whether Windows 7, Vista or Xp, one can access Windows Firewall through Control Panel. In Windows Xp one gets to Control Panel simply by clicking "Start", "Control Panel". There are two major firewall options: "on" or "off". The default setting is "on". When it is on, you can decide on the programs not to block which will be placed in the exceptions. Turning off firewall is generally not a good idea unless you know what you are doing. Of course, turning off firewall makes your system more vulnerable to foreign attack when you are connected to the internet.
The computer like a living organism has defense mechanisms to optimize its ability to fight of attacks and maintain system integrity. The human body has different mechanisms to protect itself from harm and so does the computer. Three powerful computer mechanisms are Firewalls, Automatic Updates and Anti-viruses. Today I will chat about Firewalls.
Firewalls
A Literal firewall prevents fire from penetrating the building and similarly, a computer firewall prevents unauthorized programs like viruses and persons from penetrating the computer over the internet while at the same time allowing free communication with authorized people. One major implication of this is that your computer may block legitimate programs that you need to run in order to maximize your internet experience. Thus it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the firewall settings so that you can unblock or block programs as you see fit.
Accessing the Firewall
Whether Windows 7, Vista or Xp, one can access Windows Firewall through Control Panel. In Windows Xp one gets to Control Panel simply by clicking "Start", "Control Panel". There are two major firewall options: "on" or "off". The default setting is "on". When it is on, you can decide on the programs not to block which will be placed in the exceptions. Turning off firewall is generally not a good idea unless you know what you are doing. Of course, turning off firewall makes your system more vulnerable to foreign attack when you are connected to the internet.
System Restore
Introduction
Your new computer is backed up and you feel quite secure. Then you spend a lot of time playing around with the settings to get it just the way you want it and are very pleased with the look. What you were not expecting, though, is for your little daughter to have a field day on the computer when you had forgotten to log it off. It's really easy to throw of your computer settings. Just by inadvertently clicking on the wrong combination of keys you can upset the setting that you spent hours setting up. That's where system restore comes in. As soon as you are satisfied with everything about your computer, you can set a restore point so that if for example the aforementioned things happen, you can easily restore the computer to just the way you like it with only a few clicks.
Setting a Restore Point
Windows 7, Vista and Xp all have this facility. I will show you how to set a restore point with Windows Xp. Firstly, go to "Start", "All Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Restore". A dialog box, "Welcome to System Restore" will pop up offering two choices: "Restore my computer to an earlier time" and "Create a restore point" Click on "Create a restore point" and then choose "Next". Look for "Restore point description" and type in the box under it, whatever name you would like to call your restore point. Then click "Create" and you are done. On the top left hand corner, you will get a message stating the date, name and time of the restore point. You can close the box now.
Restoring The Computer
To restore your computer to an earlier period, go through the steps until you come to "Restore my computer to an earlier time" or "Create a restore point". Choose the first one and click "Next". You will see a calendar and a list next to it. Only the bold dates are available. Each bold date on the left corresponds to the name or names of the restore point on the right. Choose a month and day on the left and look for the name that you want in the list on the right. Next click on that name. Then, click "Next". Information about the restore point will be displayed and then you click "Next" to proceed. The computer will reboot and information about the success of the restore will be given. If the restore was unsuccessful, you can choose a different restore point or undo the restore.
Your new computer is backed up and you feel quite secure. Then you spend a lot of time playing around with the settings to get it just the way you want it and are very pleased with the look. What you were not expecting, though, is for your little daughter to have a field day on the computer when you had forgotten to log it off. It's really easy to throw of your computer settings. Just by inadvertently clicking on the wrong combination of keys you can upset the setting that you spent hours setting up. That's where system restore comes in. As soon as you are satisfied with everything about your computer, you can set a restore point so that if for example the aforementioned things happen, you can easily restore the computer to just the way you like it with only a few clicks.
Setting a Restore Point
Windows 7, Vista and Xp all have this facility. I will show you how to set a restore point with Windows Xp. Firstly, go to "Start", "All Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Restore". A dialog box, "Welcome to System Restore" will pop up offering two choices: "Restore my computer to an earlier time" and "Create a restore point" Click on "Create a restore point" and then choose "Next". Look for "Restore point description" and type in the box under it, whatever name you would like to call your restore point. Then click "Create" and you are done. On the top left hand corner, you will get a message stating the date, name and time of the restore point. You can close the box now.
Restoring The Computer
To restore your computer to an earlier period, go through the steps until you come to "Restore my computer to an earlier time" or "Create a restore point". Choose the first one and click "Next". You will see a calendar and a list next to it. Only the bold dates are available. Each bold date on the left corresponds to the name or names of the restore point on the right. Choose a month and day on the left and look for the name that you want in the list on the right. Next click on that name. Then, click "Next". Information about the restore point will be displayed and then you click "Next" to proceed. The computer will reboot and information about the success of the restore will be given. If the restore was unsuccessful, you can choose a different restore point or undo the restore.
It is not really gone until it is overwritten. Good or bad?
Introduction
So you placed all your important files on your flash drive or on your computer but something terrible happens. You deleted them by mistake or you accidentally formatted the hard drive. The good news is that it may be possible for you to recover all your deleted files.
The Concept - 0's and 1's
Information is stored in unique patterns of 0's and 1's. When a file is deleted, the computer marks that area of the disk as being able to receive new data. The file remains on the disk until new information is saved to that area. When new information is written to that area only then is the deleted file gone for good. Therefore, recovering a file depends on whether or not it was overwritten.
Recovering Deleted Files
There are many recovery programs that you can get from off the internet. Some of them are free. "Recuva" is a powerful freeware that can recover all your deleted files that are not overwritten. You can also set it to recover specific files such as pictures, music, documents as shown below:
If you inadvertently deleted a file, do not save anything to the disk. Run a recovery program.
Be Aware
But there are cases when you want deleted files to be unrecoverable, for instance, confidential information that you have deleted. There are powerful freeware programs that you can get off the internet that can destroy files for good. They operate by overwriting the whole drive with random patterns of 0's and 1's. If you are considering donating your hard drive which contained information for your eyes only make sure you run such a program before you part with your disk. For if it falls into the hands of some evil, opportunist or mischievous person, you may wake up one morning with all your business in the street. Scary thought indeed! So remember it is never really gone until it is overwritten. Good or bad?
So you placed all your important files on your flash drive or on your computer but something terrible happens. You deleted them by mistake or you accidentally formatted the hard drive. The good news is that it may be possible for you to recover all your deleted files.
The Concept - 0's and 1's
Information is stored in unique patterns of 0's and 1's. When a file is deleted, the computer marks that area of the disk as being able to receive new data. The file remains on the disk until new information is saved to that area. When new information is written to that area only then is the deleted file gone for good. Therefore, recovering a file depends on whether or not it was overwritten.
Recovering Deleted Files
There are many recovery programs that you can get from off the internet. Some of them are free. "Recuva" is a powerful freeware that can recover all your deleted files that are not overwritten. You can also set it to recover specific files such as pictures, music, documents as shown below:
Be Aware
But there are cases when you want deleted files to be unrecoverable, for instance, confidential information that you have deleted. There are powerful freeware programs that you can get off the internet that can destroy files for good. They operate by overwriting the whole drive with random patterns of 0's and 1's. If you are considering donating your hard drive which contained information for your eyes only make sure you run such a program before you part with your disk. For if it falls into the hands of some evil, opportunist or mischievous person, you may wake up one morning with all your business in the street. Scary thought indeed! So remember it is never really gone until it is overwritten. Good or bad?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Restoring Your Computer
Your Computer Is As Good As Its Last Backup
Introduction
Just imagine that you are hustling to finish your project or have just completed it and confidently saved it on your computer and the unthinkable happens – yes, your computer crashes. It cuts off just like that and refuses to boot. Perhaps the project was your final thesis! Now you are desperate and wished you had a magic wand to wave your computer back up and running. Well there is such a magic wand. It is called a backup. You don’t have to purchase expensive backup software or spend hours searching for free software that can do the job. Right on your computer has a simple yet very powerful backup program that can backup your entire system with all your data. This backup can be used to restore your system to its prior state before the crash.
What You Need
All you basically need is a floppy disk and a floppy drive to put it in, the CD that you used to create Windows Operating System (e.g. your windows Xp CD) and somewhere to store the backup. If you don’t have a floppy drive, because new computers and laptops don’t usually come with one, you can use a USB floppy drive. The backup procedure which I shall explain is specifically for Windows Xp.
Just imagine that you are hustling to finish your project or have just completed it and confidently saved it on your computer and the unthinkable happens – yes, your computer crashes. It cuts off just like that and refuses to boot. Perhaps the project was your final thesis! Now you are desperate and wished you had a magic wand to wave your computer back up and running. Well there is such a magic wand. It is called a backup. You don’t have to purchase expensive backup software or spend hours searching for free software that can do the job. Right on your computer has a simple yet very powerful backup program that can backup your entire system with all your data. This backup can be used to restore your system to its prior state before the crash.
What You Need
All you basically need is a floppy disk and a floppy drive to put it in, the CD that you used to create Windows Operating System (e.g. your windows Xp CD) and somewhere to store the backup. If you don’t have a floppy drive, because new computers and laptops don’t usually come with one, you can use a USB floppy drive. The backup procedure which I shall explain is specifically for Windows Xp.
Backing Up Your Desktop
You may access the backup program by clicking on Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup.
Now you come to the place where you have to choose where to place the backup, "Backup Type, Destination, and Name". You must choose a place where there is plenty of space because your backup may be many gigabytes. Saving it on your computer’s hard drive will be fine. You cannot use a DVD disk because this is not a burning program. Click on “Browse…”. The “Save as” window will come up. You will see all the places you can put your backup. I chose “desktop”. Then click “Save”. Now you must type a name for your backup. Any name will do. The box should look something like the following. Click “Next”.
Now you come to the following box, "Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard". Click “Finish” and the computer will take it from there and complete the backup.
When it is finished, it will prompt you to put in a floppy diskette so that information about your system state can be written to it. Note: You can copy and paste the backup to your flash drive (if it has the space of course) or burn it to a DVD if it is very small
Backup
Introduction
So you bought a brand new laptop and you can't wait to try it out. Congrats! However, the first important step to securing your laptop is to make a backup CD. Usually, computers do not come with a CD of the operating system for you to reinstall in case of a major crash. That was the old way. Nowadays, many manufacturers provide a backup program that allows you to make a backup of your entire system. This means that in the event that your system crashes, you can use your CD to restore your computer to its original state. Yes, the factory state - your original operating system, and all application software that came with it. Usually, you will get a message periodically telling you to make a backup. Do not ignore it, for if your computer fails sometime in the future, you will regret that you did not make backup CDs.
Making a Back up
Normally, you can access this program by clicking start, then all programs and search through the list for the program that deals with backup or maintenance. Different systems may call them by different names. Laptops require that you use AC power to create backup CDs so you must have access to such power and of course your CDs. I recommend that you use DVDs which have a much greater capacity than CDs. Usually two or three DVDs for the most are required and don't forget to number them properly so that you will know the order to use them when restoring the computer. And always remember, "First Things First".
What about backing up desktop PCs? I will chat about that in my next post.
So you bought a brand new laptop and you can't wait to try it out. Congrats! However, the first important step to securing your laptop is to make a backup CD. Usually, computers do not come with a CD of the operating system for you to reinstall in case of a major crash. That was the old way. Nowadays, many manufacturers provide a backup program that allows you to make a backup of your entire system. This means that in the event that your system crashes, you can use your CD to restore your computer to its original state. Yes, the factory state - your original operating system, and all application software that came with it. Usually, you will get a message periodically telling you to make a backup. Do not ignore it, for if your computer fails sometime in the future, you will regret that you did not make backup CDs.
Making a Back up
Normally, you can access this program by clicking start, then all programs and search through the list for the program that deals with backup or maintenance. Different systems may call them by different names. Laptops require that you use AC power to create backup CDs so you must have access to such power and of course your CDs. I recommend that you use DVDs which have a much greater capacity than CDs. Usually two or three DVDs for the most are required and don't forget to number them properly so that you will know the order to use them when restoring the computer. And always remember, "First Things First".
What about backing up desktop PCs? I will chat about that in my next post.
Computer Happy
The computer is a powerful tool indeed! I use my computer for entertainment, business, information and for study. The problem is that so many things can go wrong with this vital instrument. For example, it can fail without warning, it may slow down, you may lose information, hackers may compromise your system - stealing your identity and or causing you public embarrassment.
Since I delight in experimenting with the computer, I have gained knowledge and skills over the years that I believe can help you treat with these crucial computer issues. So if you are unhappy with your computer or simply desirous of increasing your knowledge and computer skills, I encourage you to continue reading my blog. My desire for you is to be computer happy.
Since I delight in experimenting with the computer, I have gained knowledge and skills over the years that I believe can help you treat with these crucial computer issues. So if you are unhappy with your computer or simply desirous of increasing your knowledge and computer skills, I encourage you to continue reading my blog. My desire for you is to be computer happy.
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