kshirley | 
January 20, 2008| 
Just as a short reminder to everyone – please remember to use the Windows XP/Vista options to disconnect a USB hard disk or key before unplugging it. While it’s good for my Online Backup business when people get corrupted data – I’d rather it just didn’t happen. I’ve been reminded of this again with a client who had accounts data corrupted by transporting it between sites via a USB key. Luckily the procedures in place meant that the corrupted data was not imported and the backups were safely online.
Basically -if you are using USB sticks or portable hard disks to store data then please ensure you have proper independent backups. They are not suitable for a backup solution unless you are very careful and have mechanisms in place to help prevent corruption. (CRC check-sums etc). As well as unplugging them without properly disconnecting them in the operating system – the other problem I see is how roughly people treat portable hard disks. Just because they are portable – does not be they are not sensitive.
<Rant Over>
January 29th, 2008 at 19:01
Good advice, unfortunately a bit late for me. I am an expert in USB drives now but knew little of the dangers prior to “the incident”. Somewhat akin to a dressing down about the dangers of parachute jumping while you are in a chute failure scenario.
I did know that USB drives had to be removed with the preceding procedure of clicking safe removal in win xp. I didn’t know that they could flash and wipe everything regardless. Thats right. I wasnt rough with it. I didnt lose the device. I didnt unplug it without due regard. It was (and still is) a six gig pen drive. This allows you to lose more data that my last one could. Since thenI got online backup. There is intense competition in the market for commercial backup and personal backup is from cheap to free. Given my experience I went commercial and went with one of the following…
I wont say which one lest this turned in to an add fight. Anyway, all of the following (based in Ireland) in no particular order came out on top.
http://www.24sevenbackup.ie
http://www.backupanytime.com
http://www.centraldatabackup.com
I now use my key disk for carrying non work data such as music and fun pics I dont need.
You have been warned. It did happen to me. Of course, you are welcome to ignore this and learn from your own experience…
Paul
January 29th, 2008 at 19:12
Sorry to hear about your troubles – it’s a situation I’d prefer people could avoid.
As far as commercial managed backup providers are concerned – I started my own. It was initially intended only for my own customers it now provides services for all businesses and individuals – even if I’m not providing other contract services.
http://www.shercom.com
Keith
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:54
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