People have already realized the importance of data backup nowadays, because it’s the most secure method to prevent data loss and retrieve it after it’s lost.
There are two main ways of data backup, local backup and online backup. The significant difference between the two is in where the backup is stored. If you choose local backup, you store the backups on the computer whose data is backed up or to external or optical drives. On the other hand, you store backups on remote server provided by online backup service providers and use internet to reach it if you choose online backup.
Here let’s make a brief comparison between local backup and online backup and then you know which one is better for you.
First we must understand there is no absolutely better ways between local backup and online backup. There is only comparatively better way for different users.
Let’s check from the following points.
1. How much space does backup take?
A. For online backup, the space where you store your backup is provided by the service provider and there is nothing to do with your own hard disk. Just learn that the more money you pay, the more space you get.
B. For local backup, generally the sizes of backup files may be 50% to 100% as large as the size of original data you want to backup. So space issue is one of the biggest concerns when you choose local backup software. However, there is some new concept of backup software. Wondershare Time Shuttle, for example, takes little space when creating backup. It’s a revolutionary program making backup and restore easier than ever.
2. Price.
A. Online backup charges users monthly or yearly. The fee is about $5- 10 a month or $50- 100 a year and you get 30GB to 1TB space for the price. If you want more space, pay more. A few service providers may offer unlimited space for the same price.
B. You pay only once for local backup program, usually $40- 80, and then you can use it on the computer forever. The program Time Shuttle mentioned above is $49. And other ones like Norton Ghost, $69, Acronis, $74, etc.
3. Elapsing time for backup.
A. The first time online backup uses at least ONE DAY to backup your data to the remote server. The larger size of your data, the more days needed. Later you only need to backup the incremental data and this takes minutes.
B. Local backup programs usually take less than 10 minutes to finish backup, no matter the whole disk or the incremental. Wondershare Time Shuttle takes 5 seconds to create a snapshot.
4. Disaster prevention
A. Since online backup service stores your backup data on their servers, you can get your data backup even if your computer is lost or broken. Actually this is believed the nicest advantage of online backup—your backups are much safer. After fire, earthquake or device lost, whatever, you can get your data backup from remote server. They even backup your backup files in different places from where your backups are stored.
B. Usually local backup programs store backups on the same computer or external hard disk. So if the computer itself is lost or totally broken, or the external hard disk is lost, then your backups are gone.
There are many other differences between the two and they each have their own advantages. For reasons of space the author doesn’t list more comparisons. But from what are listed above we can see that online backup is more suitable for those who have large amount of data want to backup and want to make sure the backup is perfectly on the safe side, so businesses and enterprises may prefer this way to backup the company data. For individuals, on the other hand, local backup is more facile and cheap. Anyway, natural and man-made calamities are not all around.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
How to Backup Hard Disk with Least Time Taken
I saw a cartoon the other day. A man called his computer supporter:” my hard disk is making noise. What can I do?” The other side answered:” do you back up?” Then he jump back in terror from the computer for a distance and asked:” why back? Is it gonna blow up?”
Of course the support was asking whether the man had made hard disk backup for his computer, but it seems that the man was totally computer-proof.
Usually technical supporters will suggest you restore your computer when you are blocked removing computer problems yourself. This is the most effective way to remove all non-hardware problems, and of course the precondition is that you have made hard disk backup.
Now I'd like to introduce a new way to backup hard disk that enables you to make hard disk backup timely, regularly and whenever you want----using a Windows system restore software.
This is a new concept of hard disk backup. First let’s see how traditional backup program works: reboot first, and then you may need to change BIOS as start from CD, and then start to backup, and then wait for minutes and minutes, and then reboot computer, change BIOS back, at last, reboot. This results in that people seldom make hard disk backup, and then it results in that their backup is not up-to-date, and at last they are afraid of restoring computer when it’s down because they will lose all new added data. And you may use Windows System Restore, but it won’t backup your installed programs, documents and other files, anything that doesn’t belong to the operating system won’t be backed up.
On the other hand, system restore software takes snapshots to backup hard disk. There is no reboot, and all is done in five seconds. This feature perfectly solves the problem of traditional backup program. You can backup hard disk instantly whenever you want and thus all new added data is included in backups.
See the picture? Just type the name of snapshot and confirm, and then the hard disk backup is done. When your computer is down, you can use it to restore your computer backup to normal.
Besides manual operation, you can also set schedule to make hard disk backup.
Daily, weekly, monthly and on certain time point, events trigger and on every system boot, these will help you make all your current data backed up.
There is no reason to deny restore is the fastest and most thorough way to remove all computer problems. It saves time and efforts. Now that there is a convenient way to make hard disk backup timely, backup yours now.
Original on www.system-tools-software.com: How to backup hard disk timely.
Of course the support was asking whether the man had made hard disk backup for his computer, but it seems that the man was totally computer-proof.
Usually technical supporters will suggest you restore your computer when you are blocked removing computer problems yourself. This is the most effective way to remove all non-hardware problems, and of course the precondition is that you have made hard disk backup.
Now I'd like to introduce a new way to backup hard disk that enables you to make hard disk backup timely, regularly and whenever you want----using a Windows system restore software.
This is a new concept of hard disk backup. First let’s see how traditional backup program works: reboot first, and then you may need to change BIOS as start from CD, and then start to backup, and then wait for minutes and minutes, and then reboot computer, change BIOS back, at last, reboot. This results in that people seldom make hard disk backup, and then it results in that their backup is not up-to-date, and at last they are afraid of restoring computer when it’s down because they will lose all new added data. And you may use Windows System Restore, but it won’t backup your installed programs, documents and other files, anything that doesn’t belong to the operating system won’t be backed up.
On the other hand, system restore software takes snapshots to backup hard disk. There is no reboot, and all is done in five seconds. This feature perfectly solves the problem of traditional backup program. You can backup hard disk instantly whenever you want and thus all new added data is included in backups.
See the picture? Just type the name of snapshot and confirm, and then the hard disk backup is done. When your computer is down, you can use it to restore your computer backup to normal.
Besides manual operation, you can also set schedule to make hard disk backup.
Daily, weekly, monthly and on certain time point, events trigger and on every system boot, these will help you make all your current data backed up.
There is no reason to deny restore is the fastest and most thorough way to remove all computer problems. It saves time and efforts. Now that there is a convenient way to make hard disk backup timely, backup yours now.
Original on www.system-tools-software.com: How to backup hard disk timely.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Top 10 Free Security Software for Your New PC - Wondershare Spyware Removal
We have discussed some steps on how to raise your new PC security level, and one of the steps is to choose a right suit of security tools. Now I’d like to say something about this, introducing some possible choices. But first, let’s forget about those charged products. There are plenty of free ones online and their features and functions are decent, too. You can also build up a strong defense by grouping several free utilities.
Free antivirus software
All the three antivirus programs work on Windows platforms. Avast is the only one of the three supporting Macs.
1. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus (highly recommended)
Avira AntiVir Personal is reliable free antivirus solution that constantly and rapidly scans your computer for malicious programs such as viruses, Trojans, backdoors and worms, etc.
2. Avast! Home Edition - Free Antivirus
Avast! Home Edition is one of the representatives of the best free antivirus protection on the market currently.
3. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition - Free Antivirus
AVG Anti-Virus free edition is for home users. Rapid virus database update is provided for the lifetime, high level of detection capability being guaranteed.
Free antispyware software
1. Wondershare spyware removal - Free antispyware (highly recommended)
Wondershare Spyware Removal provides professional security protection to remove spyware, trojan virus and other various malware. Its library contains over 400,000 pieces of virus signatures, cleaning your system at ease. It is able to perform proactive defense and system monitor so as to stop threats in advance. Rootkit scan is also available for deeply-hide trojan and spyware removal.
2. Spyware Doctor - Free antispyware
Spyware Doctor is an advanced adware and spyware removal utility that detects and cleans thousands of spyware, adware, trojans and other malware from your PC, protecting your privacy from prying eyes.
3. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Free antispyware
Malwarebytes is an anti-malware application that thoroughly removes even the most stubborn malware and spyware.
4. Microsoft Windows Defender - Free antispyware
Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software which will lead to slow performance.
Free firewall software
1. Comodo firewall - Free firewall (highly recommended)
Comodo's award-winning free security suite offers prevention-based with Default Deny Protection (DDP) technology to prevent malware on your PC.
2. PC Tools Firewall Plus - Free firewall
PC Tools Firewall Plus is a powerful free personal firewall for Windows that protects your computer by preventing unauthorized users from accessing to your computer through Internet or LAN.
3. Outpost firewall free - Free firewall
Outpost Firewall Free gives you solid firewall protection with standard packet and application filtering to safeguard your data against unauthorized third parties. In addition, you get advanced protection against unknown threats. Besides, it has least impact on your system resources, so it's a must-have utility for an unprotected PC.
The utilities listed above are all free and excellent. I believe you have more choices now. The proposal is you choose one piece of these free security tools in each category, only one in each otherwise there will be conflict occurring. Choose as you like, and build up your computer security defense now----with charge of none.
Raise Your New PC Security and Enjoy the Computer Life - Wondershare Spyware Removal
Did Father Christmas send you a new PC as gift this year? That's great! You must have fondled it admiringly. But has it been prepared ready to take you online and confront with the fierce network? Or let me ask: is your new PC security well protected?
People commonly have a misconception that a brand new computer has less or even no security vulnerabilities just because it’s new. But operating a computer is not like driving a car, whose safety performance stays on top when it’s new. You are dealing with the operating system actually, not directly the computer. The truth is, these machines come out of the box needing scores of patches, some basic security software downloads and the disabling or replacing of items security pros don't typically trust.
Raise new PC security step 1: Patch Windows, fix system vulnerabilities
Pre-installed systems differ on different brands and models of computers. There is probably a period of time since the system is pre-installed, so it is more or less out-of-date. As a result, your new PC security is in its lowest level---- there are vulnerabilities needing patch up.
The first thing you must do when you get a new PC is to run Windows update to search whatever patches the machine needs. David Curry, head of information risk management at Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, says he "runs Windows Update" until there are simply no more updates to be found.
Some use third-party flaw finders to see what needs patching (e.g. Wondershare PC Health Check)
Step 2: Uninstall pre-installed software you don’t need
PC manufacturers get sponsorship from software vendors for the pre-installation of their software. The software, of course, is trial version. It’s just like someone bangs a lot of software into your computer without your permission. If it’s really useful, then it can be considered as excusable. But most cases are that it’s all unnecessary software! It may impact computer performance, slow down other software, etc. And from the point of view we discussed here, it makes no contribution to the rise of new PC security but even exposes your computer to the online evils----a lot of software contains security vulnerabilities, too. So just remove what you don’t need to strip the machine to the bare minimums.
Step 3: Install right security utilities, antivirus, anti-spyware, etc.
The current cybertimes makes the popularity of antivirus software. Millions of computer viruses rampage over the internet. A slight neglect may bring trouble to us and our computer, so we need antivirus software.
It’s impossible to say which antivirus is the best. If I name one, you may oppose your number one in your eye to mine and list 100 plus reasons. This is a market with white-hot competition, so you have ample choice.
Another point is that malware (virus, trojan , spyware) develops fast too along with the overall development of computer technology. This makes, however, traditional antivirus software too tired to deal with all kinds of virus, trojan and spyware, etc.
Trojan and spyware and other categories of malware each have its own distinct features, which can be used for special removal of these malware. To improve efficiency and effectiveness of malware removal, we have special trojan, spyware, adware removal tools. And an antivirus and an assistant tool becomes the mainstream set-up. This kind of security assistant tool is commonly free of charge, and I know one, Spyware Removal, the one help you to remove spyware and trojan so that improve much of your new PC security.
Step 4: Form decent internet surfing habits.
This is obvious but at the same time, it’s the hardest part for netizens. Internet is a world. Just pretend you aren’t surfing on the net but moving in another world. Be careful when you click a button, just like be careful when you cross the road; watch out for your account and password just like watch out for your wallet and hand bag, etc. Bring your living habit of personal safety in the real world to the cyber virtual world, and then your new pc is well secured.
Educate Yourself to Keep Computer Safe and Secure on the Internet - Wondershare Spyware Removal
We have discussed ways and programs that help you improve your computer security, installing antivirus, antispyware and making backups, etc. But to be blunt, they are all secondary, not essential. To keep computer safe and secure on the internet, the most important method you should master is, to get yourself educated. I know a friend, a computer geek, and there is no security software on his computer. But surprisingly he has never got infected. We are not computer experts and I’m not persuading you to get rid of your security programs. I just say that educate yourself and form decent online habit can significantly help to keep computer safe and secure.
Educate yourself and be smart about where you visit and what you click on - Understanding how you can get infected and what to avoid when using the Internet will be the most important step in keeping your computer safe and secure. The majority of people who have infections on their machines were infected due to lack of knowledge and clicking on things that they should not. Here’s a list of actions under this step that you should not do:
1: Do not open attachments from users that you do not know. This is one of the most effective ways for viruses to infect you. If you can’t define the user, then simply do not open the email and delete it.
2: Never open an attachment that is a .exe, .pif, .com, or .bat unless you specifically know the file is clean. The majority of these are always bad!
3: If you visit a site and a popup appears saying that your computer is unsafe, ignore it! These are gimicks that are used to make you click on the ad which then can potentially install unwanted malware.
4: When you go to a site and a popup occurs, many times they will make them look like normal Windows message boxes in order to trick you into clicking on them. Instead just close them by clicking on the X.
5: Do not visit porn sites! I know some of you may not be happy about this, but the reality is that the majority of spyware and browser hijackers are put on your computer through porn sites.
6: Do not visit warez sites! Not only is pirated software illegal, but it is a breeding ground for malware.
7: Do not visit crack sites! Many of the cracks include malware in them!
8: If you use P2P software, make sure you are careful about what you open. Malware is all over the P2P networks.
9: Read the license agreement for any software that you install. Many free downloads are offered with spyware and other programs that you DO NOT want on your computer. Reading the agreement may help you to spot them.
You may have your own tips for this, and that’s very good thing. Getting yourself educated is the most effective and cheapest way to keep computer safe and secure. I know it’s a little bit hard at the beginning you follow these steps. Just force yourself to do so, and before long you will get yourself used to it. And at that time, there is little chance your computer falls.
Educate yourself and be smart about where you visit and what you click on - Understanding how you can get infected and what to avoid when using the Internet will be the most important step in keeping your computer safe and secure. The majority of people who have infections on their machines were infected due to lack of knowledge and clicking on things that they should not. Here’s a list of actions under this step that you should not do:
1: Do not open attachments from users that you do not know. This is one of the most effective ways for viruses to infect you. If you can’t define the user, then simply do not open the email and delete it.
2: Never open an attachment that is a .exe, .pif, .com, or .bat unless you specifically know the file is clean. The majority of these are always bad!
3: If you visit a site and a popup appears saying that your computer is unsafe, ignore it! These are gimicks that are used to make you click on the ad which then can potentially install unwanted malware.
4: When you go to a site and a popup occurs, many times they will make them look like normal Windows message boxes in order to trick you into clicking on them. Instead just close them by clicking on the X.
5: Do not visit porn sites! I know some of you may not be happy about this, but the reality is that the majority of spyware and browser hijackers are put on your computer through porn sites.
6: Do not visit warez sites! Not only is pirated software illegal, but it is a breeding ground for malware.
7: Do not visit crack sites! Many of the cracks include malware in them!
8: If you use P2P software, make sure you are careful about what you open. Malware is all over the P2P networks.
9: Read the license agreement for any software that you install. Many free downloads are offered with spyware and other programs that you DO NOT want on your computer. Reading the agreement may help you to spot them.
You may have your own tips for this, and that’s very good thing. Getting yourself educated is the most effective and cheapest way to keep computer safe and secure. I know it’s a little bit hard at the beginning you follow these steps. Just force yourself to do so, and before long you will get yourself used to it. And at that time, there is little chance your computer falls.
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