On Backing up

[dropcap2]A[/dropcap2]bout twice a week a customer comes in with a computer or a hard disk that has failed. Usually this tends to occur with older hard disks, but sometimes newer ones also. A failed hard disk is when files can no longer be read, and a professional is required to see if the data can be recovered.

Sometimes data is fully recoverable. Sometimes it is not.

In some cases, people are extremely upset because the disk contains photos, business documents or other precious personal data.

Yesterday I saw a customer who had a tragic family loss last year, and was beside himself that he would lose his photos. This experience prompted me to write this brief article as a reminder to always back up data.

If your data is in only one location (for example a single computer or hard disk) it is vulnerable to loss. When the hard disk fails (I say “when” because all hard disks have a limited life span) the data that is stored on it can be at critical risk.

If you care about what is stored on your computer, always back it up to at least one separate disk (external hard drive, dvd’s)

At this point, if the two copies are stored in your house or place of business, the data is still vulnerable to theft or fire. For this reason, the best approach is to have at least one off-site backup as well.

Backups can be automated. The advantage to automatic backups, is that there is no risk of forgetting to back-up and therefore less chance of losing recent data if something goes wrong with one of the copies.

WSCR can assist with this process. Please phone to find out more about our free systems to automate your backups and protect your data.

This is a quick, simple and inexpensive process to set up. If you have any doubts about your existing backup system, now may be a good time to review your practices to ensure your precious memories and business records are safe from loss.

Mobile Phone Service Resumed

Primary mobile 0422 214 996 is now back in service.

Following one week of unexplained service outage, WSCR lodged a formal complaint with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman on Tuesday 01Feb2011. The service provider responded to the complaint the same day, and the issue was resolved within 24 hours.

Many thanks to the Ombudsman’s office for their assistance in this matter.

WSCR sincerely apologise to our valued customers for any inconvenience caused.

Phone outage – apologies to all customers

Mobile Phone Service outage 0422214996

Due to a technical issue, TPG is temporarily not able to connect calls to 0422 214 996.

Sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by this

In the interim, please use the phone number 08 7200 1871 for quotes and service orders.

Telecommunications Ombudsman advise likely resolution time is approximately 48 hours.

Jedi Mind Tricks

One of my favorite blogs is artehclz.com. If you want to AMAZE and ASTOUND your friends, check out these cool Jedi Mind tricks you can play with them

http://artehclz.com/cool-jedi-mind-tricks-to-astound-your-friends/

Protect your PC and Laptop from Theft

PREY is free, open source software that will allow you to track down your stolen PC, Laptop or Android Phone.

How it works:

You install a tiny agent in your PC or phone, which silently waits for a remote signal to wake up and work its magic.

This signal is sent either from the Internet or through an SMS message, and allows you to gather information regarding the device’s location.

FEATURES:

Take a picture of the thief with your laptop’s webcam so you know what s/he looks like and where s/he’s hiding. Powerful evidence.

Grab a screenshot of the active session — if you’re lucky you may catch the thief logged into his email or Facebook account!

Fully lock down your PC, making it unusable unless a specific password is entered. The thief won’t be able to do a thing!

If enabled, Prey will attempt to hook onto to the nearest open WiFi hotspot when no Internet connection is found.

Prey uses either the device’s GPS or the nearest WiFi hotspots to triangulate and grab a fix on its location. It’s shockingly accurate.

WSCR uses this software on all its loan machines. Its a must-have for anyone who owns a portable device, and wants it back if stolen.

Beware – Telephone Tech-Support SCAM

A number of customers have approached me in the last few weeks about phone calls they have received from ‘Technical Support’ in regard to ‘a problem on their computer’.

The way the scam works is this:

A customer support representative, claiming to be from a reputable company (ie ‘Microsoft’) rings and states that they have noticed some problems on your machine.

The (fake) problem that has been identified will be something like a “Virus or Trojan infection”.

The ‘support representative’ will then ask you to go to your computer and switch it on.

From there, they will provide instructions on how you can install an application that will provide complete access to your computer

After this, they will show you ‘virus infections’ and other ‘issues’ which they will charge you to fix after getting your credit card details.

There are numerous documented instances of variations of this scam via Google.

For more information, see

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1200200

CAUTION: If someone you don’t know wants you to give them full access to your computer via the internet, chances are its a scam that will put your credit card details and your personal information into the wrong hands.