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The above poll uses the following variables:
Constructive comments generally and comments regarding any recommended features for future polls are welcome.
Windows XP simple file sharing enable or disable.
This information is specific to Systems with the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system which are standalone systems or are part of a Windows workgroup.
Why these systems only? Because changing the simple file sharing status on systems which are part of a domain has no effect.
Why would you want to do this? You may want or need to allow or prevent control of folders to enable or prevent file replacement commands or procedures.
How it’s done. Pretty easy actually.
Go to “My Computer”, select “tools” from the menu list, select “folder options”.
Select “View”, go to “Use Simple File Sharing”
Tick check box to enable or untick to disable.
All done.
Why is this information here? Because someone needed it for a file management process on site after using a “restore to new location” function with an online backup account. We are therefore archiving the simple steps for easy reference.
Who should use this information? Any competent person who wants to enable or disable Simple file sharing for Windows XP Pro.
10 Online storage traps.
Data retention period.
Any data retention period or version number limits will apply regardless of how much space is offered. Ensure you check these stats. Space as a singular variable can do little to save you from retention limit traps.
Third party software.
The focus here is industry specific or custom software which you use in your business. Often, programmes from smaller software houses with limited Beta participants can present difficulties from a backup point of view. One of these is version and patch history. The net effect of this cam be that a disaster recovery leaves you in a scenario in which you have the backup files as required by the software vendor but there are potential difficulties or delays regarding which versions, patches, updates or installation types match your environment at the time of the backup or incident. For these reasons it may be prudent to demand a test restore without use of the existing software load. In this type of restore you would simulate a disaster recovery. All the vendor would have is what he or she said they needed. Only this type of test can verify that the culmination of software, backups and software vendor instructions add up to adequate protection.
Hidden charges.
Charges can apply to installation, licensing, support, transfer, restore, disaster recover, agreed limit excess and many more service components which you may believe to be included. Any comparison between any two providers will be of limited possible accuracy if these details are not clarified from the outset.
Supplier dependability.
Absolutely no assumptions can be made here. Insist on references appropriate to your business and check them.
Supplier autonomy.
Any dependence to third party companies which your chosen online backup company must work under bring potential future difficulties and risk to your data. Your providers ability to maintain these relationships may depend on technical, marketing or financial commitments about which you have no control. If possible, identify a provider who offers multiple solution types and is not dependent on any outside entity. If there is an outside entity then you need to establish communication with them or even consider going direct.
Automated billing.
Beware of automated billing. Your systems may suddenly start backing up exceptionally large quantities of data without any intention on your behalf to make this happen. This (in an automated billing environment) could result in non communicated charges to your credit card or bank account and leave you uninformed regarding inaccuracies in your backup set. Fair billing on the other hand works by charging an agreed amount per month. Should your data quantities exceed a crucial point you will be alerted to this and can decide if you want the excess data included or assistance with removing it.
Auto select dangers.
Correct use of auto select features in online storage systems assists with ensuring important file types are included. Inappropriate auto select usage or failure to revisit and check auto-select settings can result in new file types or extensions for critical applications being overlooked. As with many very helpful technology functions, auto select is a double edged sword and requires attention to detail to ensure it works with the organisation.
Encryption code data lockout.
No matter how uninvolved or hands off your providers are you should have received much in the way or communications and warnings from them regarding the retention, storage and management of encryption information. If this is not the case, you should consider moving to a new supplier as a matter of urgency. Your encryption details are specific to you and should be know only by you. The level of encryption used needs by default to be strong enough to protect your data and as a consequence is likely strong enough to lock you out should you not manage your encryption and encryption details correctly. Your provider has a respnsibility to ensure you are aware of this. If your providers ensures you are aware of this then they are offered some protection from any charge of you being locked out of your data through neglecting your encryption responsibilities about which you have been informed and subsequently reminded. If this is the first you have heard of encryption responsibilities then you should move to another remote backup provider as a matter of urgency.
Data in transit security.
Remote storage companies in the main like to speak of the level of encryption they offer for data in storage. You will hear less specific information regarding the encryption provided fro data in transit. This is predictably enough because the encryption provided for data in transit is generally less that offered for data in storage. This is common among providers but needs to be looked at if you want a like with like comparison and more importantly want to ensure your data in transit is safe.
Database support.
Don’t allow any provider to convince you that you will not need data base support. Databases are more than common. The level of pervasiveness of database application even at home user level is leading to databases becoming likely to be considered ubiquitous from a backup viewpoint. Ensure your chosen company gives you SQL, Exchange and open file management as standard. Any charges for these components could make what seems like good value today a very expensive proposition in time to come. Also, the inclusion of support for these data types reduces the likelihood of an attempt to apply improper backup f these data types as integrated support often in itself highlights these data types and makes correct backup procedure not just more likely but somewhat more difficult to get wrong.
