Howdy again! It's time again for another issue of the wellDON!net newsletter. Last month's newsletter discussed Windows Updates and a new twist on that, Microsoft Updates. And though I didn't go into any sort of details about Windows XP Service Pack 2, if you haven't already installed that, take a look at Top 10 reasons to install Windows XP Service Pack 2. I told you last time that I'd be discussing Windows Updates in greater detail this month, but I want to postpone that a little to deal with a more critical issue.

Computer Backups

This month I want to urge you to consider regularly backing up your data. In the last month I've helped at least a half dozen individuals who either lost everything when their hard drives crashed, or who panicked when their computer crashed, not sure whether or not I would be able to retrieve their files. In many cases, data can be retrieved relatively easily by a professional, as long as the hard drive has not become physically damaged. If that is the case, data recovery services can easily run $800 or more to have a hard drive rebuilt so the data can be retrieved.

For a very small number of you, you're only using your computer to access the Internet and your email online, and you have no files saved on your local hard drive. If that's you, then you can skip down to the bottom of the newsletter and count your blessings. For the rest of you, it's time to give serious thought to beginning a regularly scheduled backup program.

Methods
There are a number of ways you can backup your files, which include:

• Ghosting - used to backup everything on your hard drive (data, documents, programs - the works)
• File Specification - used to backup selected data, documents, etc.
  • Windows XP Backup
  • Copy to media using Explorer or CD-authoring software (Nero, Roxio, Sonic, etc.)
  • Online Backup
  • Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
  • IOMEGA Automatic Backup (or similar program)
  • Briefcase - copy of files or folders created that can be regularly "synchronized"

Media
The choice of a backup method cannot be made entirely independent of a choice of medium. You will need to make a list of what you want backed up and determine the file sizes so you can pick an appropriate medium. Some possibilities for saving your computer data include:

• CD-R, CD-RW, DVD
• External Hard Drive - can be used for ghosting or specifying
• Flash Drive
• Networked Computer
• Internet-based file storage

Now what?

Assuming that you've looked through the two lists above and determined the Method and Medium you'd like to use, you're ready to go. But my guess is that assumption probably isn't correct. If you need help deciding what works best for you, then call me and set up an appointment now so that we can get your data protected.

For more information . . .

Check out the following links for more information:

• Microsoft at Home - Back up your computer files
• Windows XP Backup Made Easy

Closing Thoughts

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I've been helping my clients with their website development and computer coaching needs for three years now. I've built this business based upon the referrals of friends. Most of you credit one of your friends with telling you about my services. Feel free to forward this newsletter on to those in your influence so that they can subscribe themselves too. Please continue to tell your friends, "When you want it well done, call wellDON!net." As I continue to grow my business, I am grateful that you continue to entrust your friends and family to me!

If you need assistance with Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, Windows XP Service Pack 2, or Backing Up Your Computer please don't hesitate to call me to set up an appointment.

Have a great week!

Don

PS - Don't forget that you can support my business by making all of your Amazon.com purchases through me. If you start your Amazon.com shopping trip by clicking here, I'll receive a percentage of any purchase you make after you've clicked on that link. Just remember to click on that link or go to my Links each time you're going to shop at Amazon.com!

If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to join the list, please click here to sign up for your free subscription.