Kamis, 28 April 2011

Home users still risking their music, videos and treasured photos

The data stored by home users in multimedia libraries represents significant physical and emotional value. Whether it's family photographs, videos or music files, any data loss situation can be traumatic and stressful. So it would be reasonable to expect that most people would take steps to safeguard their data as much as possible from all kinds of threats, including human error, hardware failure and outside malicious attacks. As digital data volumes continue to grow, careful data management is becoming increasingly essential.

Many home users are seduced by the enticing benefits of NAS storage, which is functional, flexible and most importantly, affordable. Yet the risks of data loss from NAS, as with any other type of storage technology, should not be overlooked - perhaps the biggest danger is the fact that NAS systems often use proprietary, non-standard file systems unique to the manufacturer, so an emergency data recovery can prove costly. Couple this with other threats to data loss, including human error, hardware failure and outside malicious attacks, and it becomes clear that there is a need for consumers to take a proactive approach to safeguarding their digital files, and avoid the stress of losing personal data.

Ontrack Data Recovery, Kroll Ontrack's data recovery services, performed 69 percent more data recoveries from NAS in 2009 than in 2010 so the company is well placed to explain how to minimise the risk of suffering a data loss.

1. Access control. If the private network is used by multiple home users, you should be aware of who can access what data.
2. Create automatic backups. NAS systems offer many advantages, but not absolute data security, so it's advisable to regularly create an additional backup on other storage media for critical data, such as USBs.
3. Outsourcing. Data can be more secure if the backup is stored separately. Ensure that all outsourced data is encrypted.
4. Trust is good, control is better. Backups should always be tested. An incomplete or irretrievable backup is worth nothing.
5. Properly investing. Many home users consider employing a redundant hard drive RAID configuration (RAID 1 or 5 or 6); however this additional security (which is essential for businesses) is not necessary in a private setting. It is better and easier to invest in additional hard drives for a second backup. For home users this is a completely reasonable and easy to use form of security.
6. RAID 0 allows for faster data access, but if a disk drive fails it reduces the possibility of recovering the data. A RAID 0 configuration is only recommended for applications where performance is far more important than data protection.
7. Increase disk space cautiously. Many NAS users lose data when trying to increase disk space by adding more disk drives and/or changing the RAID configuration. However, there are NAS products available, such as the DROBO, that have the flexibility to increase disk space by allowing a disk drive to be removed and replaced with a larger one, while they are still running, and with no data loss. They also have the added benefit of managing data security automatically.
8. In case of emergency, don't panic and keep calm. Most importantly, don't try to recover the data yourself as all too often this cases further problems and can make any kind of data recovery impossible.

Most importantly, if the worst does happen and data is lost, being aware of the steps required to rectify the situation can help to restore the data as quickly and painlessly as possible, reduce the initial panic that can be felt following a disk failure and also help to prevent further mistakes from occurring.

Tips To Keep Your Computer Safe From Attack

When you have a computer, you start to accumulate important things. Photos, documents, files, and programs are all important components. You maybe have a music collection, a lot of important information and things that if lost, would cause a lot of heartache and misery. Sometimes people keep their entire school portfolio of work online or conduct businesses and work documents are protected on peoples' personal computers. That is why a virus can be a really devastating thing when it takes over the system of a computer. It can cause serious damage and cause you to lose all of your work.

Sometimes when a virus gets really out of hand and causes all of your applications to quit functioning, you might have to do a system recovery, which will cause you to roll back all your settings to factory settings and you will lose everything you have downloaded, saved, done, and added to your computer. Often when a virus gets that bad, it is impossible to even use your computer normally to save your work or send it to yourself or anything because the virus has taken hold and made ordinary operations almost impossible.

That is why, throughout your computer use, even when it is in perfect health, it is important to make sure that you take precautions as though a virus attack could occur at any moment. If you have very important data, you need to make sure that you back up your files and keep them safe. Back up your photos, documents, programs, and information on a hard drive or some other kind of disk so that they will stay safe and out of harm's way. You can even make a back up for your back if the material is extremely important. But regardless, keep your back up updated so that if anything ever does happen to your system, you will not lose anything.

Also, when you draft a document, make it a habit to email it to yourself so you will always have a record of it accessible somewhere. Using something like Google Documents is a great way to keep your documents stored somewhere safe so that no matter what happens to your personal system, you will be able to access your important work from any computer. Upload your photos to photo sites like Flickr or Photobucket and keep them there in addition to where they are stored on your system. That way, even if your system crashes, you will still have your photos and important materials somewhere where you can access them. Basically, make sure that everything on your system is somewhere else, too, and can be accessed. You never want to have to cringe when a virus attacks your system and you have to lose all of your important data and work.

Keeping your computer safe with routine virus scans can be a great way to keep this kind of thing from happening and also updating your virus protection software and making sure that it is top of the line can also greatly assist in this adventure, as well.

Keeping Your Computer Safe From Spyware And Trojans

When you have a computer, you start to accumulate important things. Photos, documents, files, and programs are all important components. You maybe have a music collection, a lot of important information and things that if lost, would cause a lot of heartache and misery. Sometimes people keep their entire school portfolio of work online or conduct businesses and work documents are protected on peoples' personal computers. That is why a virus can be a really devastating thing when it takes over the system of a computer. It can cause serious damage and cause you to lose all of your work.

Sometimes when a virus gets really out of hand and causes all of your applications to quit functioning, you might have to do a system recovery, which will cause you to roll back all your settings to factory settings and you will lose everything you have downloaded, saved, done, and added to your computer. Often when a virus gets that bad, it is impossible to even use your computer normally to save your work or send it to yourself or anything because the virus has taken hold and made ordinary operations almost impossible.

That is why, throughout your computer use, even when it is in perfect health, it is important to make sure that you take precautions as though a virus attack could occur at any moment. If you have very important data, you need to make sure that you back up your files and keep them safe. Back up your photos, documents, programs, and information on a hard drive or some other kind of disk so that they will stay safe and out of harm's way. You can even make a back up for your back if the material is extremely important. But regardless, keep your back up updated so that if anything ever does happen to your system, you will not lose anything.

Also, when you draft a document, make it a habit to email it to yourself so you will always have a record of it accessible somewhere. Using something like Google Documents is a great way to keep your documents stored somewhere safe so that no matter what happens to your personal system, you will be able to access your important work from any computer. Upload your photos to photo sites like Flickr or Photobucket and keep them there in addition to where they are stored on your system. That way, even if your system crashes, you will still have your photos and important materials somewhere where you can access them. Basically, make sure that everything on your system is somewhere else, too, and can be accessed. You never want to have to cringe when a virus attacks your system and you have to lose all of your important data and work.

Keeping your computer safe with routine virus scans can be a great way to keep this kind of thing from happening and also updating your virus protection software and making sure that it is top of the line can also greatly assist in this adventure, as well.

Laptop Skins

Laptop skins have become an ever popular item to help add creativity to your space. Now your laptop can be truly personalized or if you prefer you can choose multiple looks and decide each day which will take you through the hustle and bustle of life. Personalize your space beyond your surroundings. Personalize your laptop with your choice of laptop skins.

Whether you prefer a decorating cover to express yourself or a laptop skin that will show your allegiance to your college team you can personalize your laptop and go beyond just using it as a machine to get things done. Show some team spirit while protecting your laptop or use it to show the spirit you desire. Perhaps you want to have the team logo on during the sports season but not after. No problem since we are talking about peel and stick laptop skins you can remove them and store them until next year.

If you want to lead a double life and show the spirit that impresses the friends or girl you are spending time with then use the skin that shows the allegiance you need for the moment and change it in a moment's notice for the next date or event. Or perhaps you have a secondary team so you can get a cover for each and use it depending on who is still around at the end of the season. No matter your choice or reasoning for it, you will love the option of having removable peel and stick laptop skins.

Keeping Your Computer Device Secure

A computer can be a personal storehouse of all your files, data, and important material. So, you want to make sure that you keep it secure and protected against an assortment of problems. Here are some measures you can take to do just that. One way to protect your computer from any kind of identity theft is to simply lock it with a password protective device. You want to make sure you do this so that no one can get into your system and peruse through your files and information. Especially if you take your computer with you to work or school and sometimes leave it unattended, you want to make sure that you have a password that keeps your information private and secured. This way no one can get into your system if they do not know your password and you will be able to keep your privacy protected.

Also, you want to make sure that your Internet settings are kept private, too. For instance, if you use wireless Internet and have some kind of wireless router device in your home, you want to keep that password protected, as well. A password will keep it a secure line and a secured network. That way everything that you do through that Internet connection cannot be viewed by any third party who might be able to connect. Similarly, when you connect to wireless Internet, you want to make sure it is a secure network, usually one that requires a password is secured, otherwise, it is hard to say who all can view your information and your private data. Hackers and thieves loom on these unsecured networks and dangerously have access to your private information, data like credit card information if you ever make online purchases or pay your bills online and a variety of other measures.

Speaking of that, you want to make sure that anytime you entire personal information, such as credit card info or your biographical information with pertinent facts like social security numbers and home addresses and telephone numbers, you want to be very cautious. You want to make sure that you do not ever do this on a website that is not secure. You can tell by looking down at the bottom corner and finding that secure lock in the bottom corner. That will assure you that it is a secure connection and that entering information is all right, but if it is not present then do not enter any personal information because you will not know who can see this information and to what purposes they will use it.

Keeping your identity safe, especially when you have a personal computer that contains a lot of your personal info, is a very important precaution to take. In fact, you want to make sure that your computer stays safe in many ways so that you do not have to worry about losing your personal information. That means keeping your system safe from viruses and other Trojans and spy ware by installing top of the line and approved virus protection software and devices. Keep these updates and do routine checks and scans so that your system will be cleansed of the kinks and junk that can often take away your personal information for other peoples' uses.

Holiday bookings already up for 2011

The time after Christmas has always been one of the peak times for booking holidays. After the fun and festivities of December people start planning the year ahead. While enjoying the holiday season and time away from work, people feel inspired to plan more holidays so they have something to look forward to when they go back to work in January.

Reports are showing that bookings for 2011 holidays made after Christmas are up on last year. Despite the increased cost of living, thanks to the VAT rise and the increase to 20% of Insurance Premium Tax, people seem to be keener than ever to book holidays, maybe to escape from the doom, gloom and bad weather of the UK.

Tour operators have been quick to offer travellers incentives to book, with special offers, early booking discounts, free deals for children and two for one offers, giving people the chance to save potentially hundreds of pounds on their holiday. Airlines have also launched their January sales with record discounts and price cuts to encourage people to book early.

With the increase in Insurance Premium Tax travellers now have to pay more for their travel insurance policies. Some travel Insurance specialists will be waiving the increase during the month of January, passing the saving onto the customer. Even travel insurance sales are up threefold on the same time last year for one travel insurance company* showing that more people are taking out travel insurance to cover them this year.

TripAdvisor has announced the findings of its annual Travel Trends Survey of more than 6,200 European travellers, and forecasts a more optimistic 2011.

The Travel Trends Survey shows that 2011 will see Britons travel more, with a significant number (66%) of people planning to take a long-haul holiday. Only a third of Brits are planning a stay-at-home holiday in 2011, marking the possible demise of the 'staycation' trend which has dominated the last few years.
With the strength of the pound down against the euro people look set to head to more exotic destinations this year. Traditional favourites like Spain and Portugal may be overlooked in favour of places like Egypt and Turkey.

In fact, Lonely Planet's latest book, Best in Travel 2011, lists their top ten countries for 2011. The list is based on scores for topicality, excitement, value for money and…that special holiday X-factor and unsurprisingly, includes a number of unexpected destinations:

1. Albania
2. Brazil
3. Cape Verde
4. Panama
5. Bulgaria
6. Vanuatu
7. Italy
8. Tanzania
9. Syria
10. Japan

The increase in holiday bookings on the same period last year signifies a good year for travel. It also shows that people are taking advantage of some great offers and managing to book their 2011 holiday at a great price, thanks to the travel companies doing all they can to encourage people to book their holidays early in the New Year.

It is clear that people see holidays as important and are not missing out despite the economy being in a state of flux. It is also clear that people are becoming far more travel savvy and are making great savings across the board with their holidays.

One key area where people are making longer tem savings is on their travel insurance. More people are taking out annual multi trip travel insurance annual multi trip travel insurance to cover them and their families for travel throughout the year, a saving of hundreds of pounds on multiple single trip policies. As well as giving great savings, it also gives families and individuals more flexibility when planning their holidays for the year ahead, making taking a last minute holiday trip even cheaper and easier

Camping in France - The Gourmet Way

Cooking on a camping holiday

Many mums and dads can be understandably reluctant to take on the cooking duties on holiday, meaning that many self-catering holidays are often ruled out during the holiday planning stage.

The easiest way of convincing mum to take a self-catering holiday is by making sure there is a BBQ included. Nothing evokes lazy summer days more than the aroma of slightly overcooked sausages wafting across from the neighbour's garden. And given that all men enjoy playing with fire it's a sure fire way of getting Mum out of any cooking duties.

5 top tips for Self Catering on a camping holiday

Choosing a destination such as France, with its huge range of 4 and 5 star quality holiday parks and campsites, for your holiday means that self-catering can be something to be savoured. So, bear these 5 top tips in mind and before you know it you'll be saying 'bon appetit'.

Top tip 1 : Use a BBQ. Dads love an open fire, so choosing a holiday such as a mobile home holiday where you can cook on a BBQ is a sure fire way of making cooking fun.

Top tip 2 : Keep it simple. France is famous for its bread, variety of cheeses and fresh fruit and veg.

Top tip 3 : Try something new. Google the French favourite 'moules marinaires' recipe before you go, print it out and take it with you. Buy a kilo of 'moules' in the supermarket and cook with a side order of bread. You'll be amazed how easy it is.

Top tip 4 : Have an emergency back-up. Take some baked beans and super noodles for days when you want to keep the kids happy.

Top tip 5 : Get to know your neighbours. Mobile home holidays in particular provide a great opportunity to socialise. Be friendly and mealtimes can become great social events!

Interested in knowing more about camping holidays in France? You can search for camping in France on the I Spy Camping website.

Projected Top 2011 Vacation Destinations

The Balearic Islands

The islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are very popular holiday spots. Many Brits and Spaniards visit the islands as a weekend getaway. The flight from many points in the UK, France and Spain is only a few hours, making the Balearics accessible any time during the year.

Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers a higher number of resorts than Menorca or the smaller islands of Ibiza and Formentera. The two smaller islands are often the first choice for couples on honeymoon or an escape from the kids.

Turkey

Turkey provides a myriad of activities for old and young alike. Many people choose Turkey as a holiday spot for its sandy beaches while others prefer to tour historical Ottoman mosques or other historical areas. Some of the most popular destinations in Turkey are Alanya, Fethiye, Istanbul and Olympos.

Spain

Spain is among the top 5 holiday destinations in the world. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are very popular Spanish destinations. Many people enjoy going to Spain to visit the churches and become engrossed in the Spanish culture.

The Canary Islands

The Canaries are located off the northwest coast of mainland Africa. They are situated between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The largest island in the group is Tenerife, the smallest is Montana Clara. Each island is unique and provides a variety of accommodations and activities for visitors of all ages.

The United States

Florida, California, and Hawaii are among the three most visited states during prime holiday seasons. Florida is chock full of theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Central Florida Zoological Park.

Prices at many of Florida's theme parks are reasonable, as are prices for many hotels. Several of Florida's beaches have received awards for safety and cleanliness.

California has several key areas to visit, including Disneyland, Legoland, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Marine World and the San Diego Zoo. Theme parks aren't the only attractions in California; the beaches are very active and a must-see for first time travelers.

Hawaii is the only U.S. state comprised entirely of islands. Take the time to visit each of the islands and walk on the volcanoes. Marine life is abundant in Hawaii, so take your SCUBA gear or rent some. Enjoy a variety of water sports or simply relax on the beach.

Tips for a Great Holiday

Accommodations are arguably the most important consideration when planning your trip. Everyone tends to flock to hotels, motels, and resorts. Consider something different next year.

Check the local area for villas or privately owned rental property for your holiday accommodations, for example villa holidays in Majorca are good.

Privately owned property provides much more privacy and allows you to completely immerse yourself in the culture of the area.

Transportation in an unknown area may be difficult. Make sure you know the modes of transportation and speak the language well enough to travel efficiently and safely. Car rental is almost always a feasible option.

Communication is extremely important when traveling, especially in a foreign country. Brush up on your multi-lingual communication skills prior to leaving. The ability to speak conversationally in the language of the country you visit will make your holiday more enjoyable and safe for the entire family.

No matter where you choose to go in 2011, be safe. The purpose of a holiday is to relax, unwind and enjoy something extraordinary. Plan your trip months in advance so you can familiarise yourself with key points for safety as well as fun in the sun.