Today I’d like to talk about Online data backup. This is one of the most secure way for making a reserve copy of your documents and files. You don’t keep your valuables on your PC, laptop, or at separate device, you upload your important files to a remote server, that is managed by high professionals. Of course, you should take into account some points: this remote server should be well designed and protected.
What are the main benefits of secure online data backup compared with other backup methods? DVD backup allows keep your data safe in case of some computer trouble, but you can not be ensure against the DVD destruction or loss. Making a reserve copy to other storage media, such as USB flash drives, HDDs absolutely doesn’t guarantee that your files will be safe, because all these devices could be damaged or lost.
As for online data backup, it doesn’t have all these disadvantages. Your files are stored in special place very far from your PC and nothing can destroy it. The work is managed by professionals who are responsible for the safety of your precious data.
As far as Online data backup service needs the work of qualified personnel, this service is not free. An average price is about $5-10 per month. It usually includes the use of a special backup program, so that you’ll not care about the safety of all your files.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Windows 7: Microsoft's secret weapon against Google
Author: Preston Gralla
October 27, 2008 (Computerworld) With the first public alpha release of Windows 7 due today at the Microsoft PDC2008 conference, the outline of the new operating system is taking shape. What you won't see when that alpha comes out is the way that Microsoft will try to use Windows 7 as a Trojan horse in its war against Google.
Google's domination of the search market continues unabated, but Microsoft hasn't given up on it. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer recently said that his company is willing to lose "5% to 10% of total operating income for several years" to fund its ongoing attempt to make inroads into the search market. Much more than search is at stake. Google wants to replace Microsoft's desktop-based applications, such as Office, with its cloud-based applications, such as Google Docs.
So where does Windows 7 come in? What new features can Microsoft possibly introduce that will help it overtake Google in search and retain its domination of productivity software such as Office?
Microsoft's secret weapon in Windows 7 is not what features the operating system has, but instead what features it doesn't have. Microsoft is stripping Windows 7 of some of Windows' best built-in applications, and it's making them available only as downloads on its Windows Live site.
When Windows 7 comes out, it won't include Windows Mail, Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker, which are some of Vista's most useful applications. Windows Movie Maker is a surprisingly sophisticated piece of software for creating videos and DVDs, and it's worthy of being sold as stand-alone software. Windows Photo Gallery is a well-done, elegant way to manage digital photos. And Windows Mail is the successor to Outlook Express, with a very big installed base. Expect users to howl in protest when they find those applications gone, particularly Windows Mail.
To get them, users will have to visit the Microsoft Windows Live site, where the software can be downloaded for free. And, of course, there will be plenty of other Windows Live software they can download, as well as other Windows Live services they can use. It's a variation on the classic "loss leader" in retail, where you lure folks in with freebies and then pounce with a hard sell.
Microsoft claims that it is stripping the applications out of Windows 7 because it makes for a "cleaner" operating system. But there are plenty of useless applications it could strip out of Windows to no ill effect. The backup program in Vista, for example, is close to useless. And as for People Near Me or Windows Meeting Space -- do you use either of those programs? Do you know anyone who does? Those could easily go to make for a cleaner operating system. And while Microsoft is at it, it could get rid of User Account Control. I don't know anyone who would cry real tears if that one bit the dust.
I expect that there will be plenty of other hooks in Windows 7 to get people to go to Windows Live. And I don't expect all of those hooks to be consumer-oriented like Photo Gallery and Movie Maker. Don't be surprised if there are enterprise-related hooks as well.
All this may be clever marketing, but it won't work. Microsoft may be able to push users to Windows Live, but if it doesn't build better search and better services than Google, people will stay with Google.
If Microsoft wants to eat into Google's share of the search market, there's only one thing it can do: Build better search. If it wants to make sure that Google doesn't threaten its near-monopoly of productivity suites, it will need to make some version of Office available over the Internet.
The key to battling Google is building better software and services. Stripping useful applications out of Windows isn't the way to win the war.
About the Author:
Preston Gralla is a Computerworld contributing editor and the author of more than 35 books, including How the Internet Works and Windows Vista in a Nutshell. Contact him at preston@gralla.com.
October 27, 2008 (Computerworld) With the first public alpha release of Windows 7 due today at the Microsoft PDC2008 conference, the outline of the new operating system is taking shape. What you won't see when that alpha comes out is the way that Microsoft will try to use Windows 7 as a Trojan horse in its war against Google.
Google's domination of the search market continues unabated, but Microsoft hasn't given up on it. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer recently said that his company is willing to lose "5% to 10% of total operating income for several years" to fund its ongoing attempt to make inroads into the search market. Much more than search is at stake. Google wants to replace Microsoft's desktop-based applications, such as Office, with its cloud-based applications, such as Google Docs.
So where does Windows 7 come in? What new features can Microsoft possibly introduce that will help it overtake Google in search and retain its domination of productivity software such as Office?
Microsoft's secret weapon in Windows 7 is not what features the operating system has, but instead what features it doesn't have. Microsoft is stripping Windows 7 of some of Windows' best built-in applications, and it's making them available only as downloads on its Windows Live site.
When Windows 7 comes out, it won't include Windows Mail, Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker, which are some of Vista's most useful applications. Windows Movie Maker is a surprisingly sophisticated piece of software for creating videos and DVDs, and it's worthy of being sold as stand-alone software. Windows Photo Gallery is a well-done, elegant way to manage digital photos. And Windows Mail is the successor to Outlook Express, with a very big installed base. Expect users to howl in protest when they find those applications gone, particularly Windows Mail.
To get them, users will have to visit the Microsoft Windows Live site, where the software can be downloaded for free. And, of course, there will be plenty of other Windows Live software they can download, as well as other Windows Live services they can use. It's a variation on the classic "loss leader" in retail, where you lure folks in with freebies and then pounce with a hard sell.
Microsoft claims that it is stripping the applications out of Windows 7 because it makes for a "cleaner" operating system. But there are plenty of useless applications it could strip out of Windows to no ill effect. The backup program in Vista, for example, is close to useless. And as for People Near Me or Windows Meeting Space -- do you use either of those programs? Do you know anyone who does? Those could easily go to make for a cleaner operating system. And while Microsoft is at it, it could get rid of User Account Control. I don't know anyone who would cry real tears if that one bit the dust.
I expect that there will be plenty of other hooks in Windows 7 to get people to go to Windows Live. And I don't expect all of those hooks to be consumer-oriented like Photo Gallery and Movie Maker. Don't be surprised if there are enterprise-related hooks as well.
All this may be clever marketing, but it won't work. Microsoft may be able to push users to Windows Live, but if it doesn't build better search and better services than Google, people will stay with Google.
If Microsoft wants to eat into Google's share of the search market, there's only one thing it can do: Build better search. If it wants to make sure that Google doesn't threaten its near-monopoly of productivity suites, it will need to make some version of Office available over the Internet.
The key to battling Google is building better software and services. Stripping useful applications out of Windows isn't the way to win the war.
About the Author:
Preston Gralla is a Computerworld contributing editor and the author of more than 35 books, including How the Internet Works and Windows Vista in a Nutshell. Contact him at preston@gralla.com.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
8 Advantages of Remote Backup Service
To backup your important data you should firstly choose a backup media storage. There are HDD, CD, DVD, FTP, Blue-ray, and other storages for backup. Let's consider a remote backup service which has unique pecularities for everyone who'd like to use a distant location to store his/her data files.
Firstly we should examine pluses and minuses of remote backup. On the one hand, this method has advantages compared with offsite storage (independency from computer problems as well some physical disasters), broad access to your files and the possibility to automate all process. On the other hand, we depend on the internet connection, we need more time to backup to local storage and we have a small probability for access of third party. But all these problems are no so hard and could be solved easily.
So, let's review the main advantages of remote backup service:
1) Free software.
Often it's suggested free backup software after signing up to remote backup account}
2) Professionally protected servers.
From hackers, fire, flood and even nuclear explosions. Due to the fact that server is located in underground shelters usually.
3) 24/7/365 technical support.
4) Backup statistics and logging.
You can always check up the backup process and the details of the last backup.
5) Automatic data encryption.
Every remote backup service an encryption algorithm to protect your privacy while transfer and storage your files.
6) Data compression.
This feature helps use less bandwith and space on the server.
7) Multi-site data collection.
It will allow you to backup data from different places to the defenite server using the same service.
8) Unlimited space.
Usually remote backup service gives you the server space as much as you need.
Nevertheless usually such services are not free. It depends on the amount of space you want, the number of computers to backup and the options you wish to choose. Approximately, the price will be $2/1GB per month, so, the price will be around 5-10 USD per month. What do you think - it's not so big price compared to Data Recovery prices or to the loss of valuable files?
Finally, conclude that secure remote backup service meets the requirements of any customers such as individuals, organizations and networks. It's a real guarantee that all your precious data has a copy and you have an access to it any time you want.
Firstly we should examine pluses and minuses of remote backup. On the one hand, this method has advantages compared with offsite storage (independency from computer problems as well some physical disasters), broad access to your files and the possibility to automate all process. On the other hand, we depend on the internet connection, we need more time to backup to local storage and we have a small probability for access of third party. But all these problems are no so hard and could be solved easily.
So, let's review the main advantages of remote backup service:
1) Free software.
Often it's suggested free backup software after signing up to remote backup account}
2) Professionally protected servers.
From hackers, fire, flood and even nuclear explosions. Due to the fact that server is located in underground shelters usually.
3) 24/7/365 technical support.
4) Backup statistics and logging.
You can always check up the backup process and the details of the last backup.
5) Automatic data encryption.
Every remote backup service an encryption algorithm to protect your privacy while transfer and storage your files.
6) Data compression.
This feature helps use less bandwith and space on the server.
7) Multi-site data collection.
It will allow you to backup data from different places to the defenite server using the same service.
8) Unlimited space.
Usually remote backup service gives you the server space as much as you need.
Nevertheless usually such services are not free. It depends on the amount of space you want, the number of computers to backup and the options you wish to choose. Approximately, the price will be $2/1GB per month, so, the price will be around 5-10 USD per month. What do you think - it's not so big price compared to Data Recovery prices or to the loss of valuable files?
Finally, conclude that secure remote backup service meets the requirements of any customers such as individuals, organizations and networks. It's a real guarantee that all your precious data has a copy and you have an access to it any time you want.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Online Remote Data Backup
The topic of this article is remote data backup. In my opinion, every PC user has ever faced some computer problem, such as a virus on the computer, hardware or software error, or any other unusual situation. Due to any of those reasons a data loss could happen. Besides, data loss could be also produced because fire, theft or flood. I'd strongly recommend you to have a reserve copy of essential files so as not to suffer much from so terrible consequences.
The next step for you is choosing a backup storage, such as DVD, HDD, Blue-ray, etc. In this article we'll talk about remote data backup. One of the main benefits for remote backup is safety of your data while having some environmental problems (i.e. earthquake or fire). In such situations it's much better to backup all your important data remotely. Having done this, all your backed up files will be safe. Today, the best way to do it is to transfer your backed up files to a remote server via the Internet. You can do it with the use of backup software or using the special remote data backup service. Backing up manually you can forget or miss something, so, it rarely can ensure the right level of safety. Backup software make all process automatically, write a log about your remote data backups and restore your data if something wrong happens. A simple variant of such program will cost you about $40. For more complicated or professional version, the price will begin from around $100. For remote data backup you also should find a free server or sign up for hosting, which will cost you some money. The other way is remote data backup service. If you have an account, you will get unlimited space on a secure server, free backup software, 24 hours a day support service and many other advantages. Approximately, remote backup service will cost you $2/GB per month, which is rather little compared to data recovery prices and data loss after-effects. Of course, you should not better to face any data loss at all, but, you won't begrudge any money spent on backup if something bad occurs with your computer data. Using both remote backup software and remote data backup service will lead you not to doing backup functions and guarantee all your information safety.
The next step for you is choosing a backup storage, such as DVD, HDD, Blue-ray, etc. In this article we'll talk about remote data backup. One of the main benefits for remote backup is safety of your data while having some environmental problems (i.e. earthquake or fire). In such situations it's much better to backup all your important data remotely. Having done this, all your backed up files will be safe. Today, the best way to do it is to transfer your backed up files to a remote server via the Internet. You can do it with the use of backup software or using the special remote data backup service. Backing up manually you can forget or miss something, so, it rarely can ensure the right level of safety. Backup software make all process automatically, write a log about your remote data backups and restore your data if something wrong happens. A simple variant of such program will cost you about $40. For more complicated or professional version, the price will begin from around $100. For remote data backup you also should find a free server or sign up for hosting, which will cost you some money. The other way is remote data backup service. If you have an account, you will get unlimited space on a secure server, free backup software, 24 hours a day support service and many other advantages. Approximately, remote backup service will cost you $2/GB per month, which is rather little compared to data recovery prices and data loss after-effects. Of course, you should not better to face any data loss at all, but, you won't begrudge any money spent on backup if something bad occurs with your computer data. Using both remote backup software and remote data backup service will lead you not to doing backup functions and guarantee all your information safety.
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