Data loss – how to protect against it?
Data is becoming increasingly valuable, not only for businesses but also for individual users. Data loss can often be very painful. It's worth considering whether you're protecting your data against loss due to device failure, and whether you're doing it correctly. There are many software and hardware solutions available on the market to secure information on your device. The following article will introduce you to some of them.
1. Proper Data Storage on Your Computer - A Way to Protect Your Data from Loss
Storing data solely on your computer risks irreversible loss. However, if you don't plan to use another security solution, it's important to ensure the health of your device.
Create a Separate Data Partition
If important files are stored on your system drive, the risk of losing them is significantly increased. If the operating system crashes, you also put your data at risk. Reinstalling the system can erase them, and recovering them can be impossible or very expensive.
Monitor the Health of Your Storage Device
It's worth regularly checking the health of the drive where you store your data. Programs like HD Tune or CrystalDiskInfo will allow you to check the condition of your storage device. If you find any irregularities, the best solution is to transfer your data to another drive and replace the faulty one.
Device Maintenance
It's worth mentioning cleaning the air vents, which accumulate dust, and replacing the thermal paste. These practices will reduce the temperature stress on the device, which should extend its lifespan.
You should also remember to regularly update your operating system and antivirus software, and protect your device from physical damage. It's not easy to maintain all of this without an experienced person who can help you configure your computer properly. Such a person would, however, advise you that storing data solely on the computer is not a good practice.
2. Backup to an external USB drive - A way to protect data from loss
A better solution is to create a backup on an external USB drive. Most such drives are inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle and tears over lost data. You can manually copy data or use software that does it for you. For individual users, Cobian Backup is a worthwhile solution.
This is a free program that allows you to automate backups. You set the backup days and times once, and Cobian will perform the backup for you. The drive must be connected to the device at the specified time during the backup. You should also consider proper storage of the drive to prevent physical damage.
3. NAS Servers - A Way to Protect Data from Loss
NAS servers are a more expensive, but also more secure, solution. They are effective for storing large amounts of data. You can install such a server on your home network. As with a USB drive, data can be copied manually or using a program.
You don't have to remember to connect the drive to a computer port; you just need to be on your home network. Thanks to the ability to install multiple drives, NAS servers offer the ability to create a RAID 0 or RAID 5 array, which protects data from loss in the event of a drive failure.
4. Cloud - A Way to Protect Data from Loss
The cloud is proving to be a modern, secure, and extremely efficient solution for today's times. You don't have to worry about maintaining the physical storage device; everything is stored on the provider's servers.
The only requirement is internet access. Additional cloud services are often offered. Free options are available, but they only allow for small amounts of data storage. Below is an analysis of the most popular providers' offerings.
- Microsoft OneDrive:
| Plan | Basic | Standalone 100GB | Personal | Family |
| Storage | 5 GB | 100 GB | 1 TB | 6 × 1 TB |
| Price | Free | 7,99 zł/month | 29,99 zł/month | 42,99 zł/month |
| Additional Services | - None | - None | - Skype - MS Office Suite - File Restore Up to 30 Days | - Skype - MS Office Suite - File Restore Up to 30 Days |
The cloud is provided by Microsoft. By choosing the appropriate plan, you can also use Office software.
OneDrive has built-in desktop and document synchronization with the cloud. Saving documents to your desktop isn't always a good idea, but with your desktop synced to the cloud, you don't have to worry about your files. This solution is ideal for Windows systems.
- Apple iCloud:
| Plan | Free | iCloud+ 50 GB | iCloud+ 200 GB | iCloud+ 2 TB |
| Storage | 5GB | 50 GB | 200 GB | 2 TB |
| Price | Free | 3,99 zł/month | 11,99 zł/month | 39,99 zł/month |
| Additional Services | - None | - Custom email domain - Supports HomeKit private monitoring for one camera | - Custom email domain - Supports HomeKit private monitoring for five cameras | - Custom email domain - Supports HomeKit private monitoring for an unlimited number of cameras |
This solution is best for Apple devices. It allows you to sync your desktop, calendars, photos, and many other features. Additionally, suitable plans allow you to create email with your own domain and manage home monitoring. If you use Apple devices, don't hesitate and choose iCloud.
- Google One (Google Drive):
| Plan | Free | Basic | Standard | Premium |
| Storage | 15 GB | 100 GB | 200 GB | 1 TB |
| Price | Free | 8,99 zł/month | 13,99 zł/month | 46,99 zł/month |
| Additional Services | -Google Docs web-based office suite | -Google Docs web-based office suite | -Google Docs web-based office suite | -Google Docs web-based office suite |
A major advantage of Google Cloud is its free suite of office tools. A comparison of free plans from all cloud storage options shows that Google One is the best choice in this case. Google also syncs well with Android smartphones.
The Google One app allows you to back up your smartphone. Google One is the best choice if you primarily use your Android smartphone for cloud storage.
- Dropbox:
| Personal | Personal | Business | Business | Business | |
| Plan | Plus | Family | Professional | Standard | Advanced |
| Storage | 2TB for 1 user | 2TB for 6 users | 3TB for 1 user | 5TB for at least 3 users | Unlimited, minimum 3 users |
| Price | 11,99 €/month | 19,99 €/month | 19,99 €/month | 12 €/month | 18 €/month |
| Additional Services | - Automatic computer backup - Technical support via Email and live chat | - Automatic computer backup - Technical support via Email and live chat | - Automatic computer backup - Technical support via Email and live chat | - For organizations, includes an admin panel - Automatic computer data backup - Technical support via email, live chat, and phone support | - For organizations, includes an admin panel - Automatic computer data backup - Technical support via email, live chat, and phone support |
The first thing that catches the eye about Dropbox is the large amount of cloud storage, with no option to purchase smaller plans. Dropbox is a great choice if you need a lot of space for your files in the cloud.
There are currently many systems available to protect your data against loss. The options mentioned above are just some of many solutions. A distinctive solution for today is the cloud, characterized by its simplicity and reliability.
In addition to data storage, cloud providers often offer additional services to differentiate themselves from the competition. Do you secure your data using the cloud or another solution?
Support Online has been protecting our clients' data for over 20 years.
Support Online has been protecting our clients' data for over 20 years. We're confident we're doing this effectively, as the vast majority of our clients have been with us for five years or longer. Here are a few customer testimonials. Of course, maintaining data backups is just one of many responsibilities we provide as part of our ongoing IT support.
If you'd like to learn more about the IT services we offer, please visit our IT outsourcing section. For data security, we particularly recommend cloud backup, as it's a rapidly growing solution. It's also worth exploring our cybersecurity courses, which are an effective preventative measure for your company. Want to learn more? Email us or call us today.
our
support.
What IT solutions do we use at Support Online?
When is it worth using an IT company?
Why is it worth hiring an IT company rather than a freelance IT specialist?
What are the advantages of working with IT Support Online?
An IT company, or IT firm, deals with information technology in a broad sense. This includes, among other things:
- Software design and development: An IT company can create custom applications for other companies or software products for the mass market. Depending on their specialization, these can include mobile applications, desktop applications, web applications, or embedded systems.
- Consulting services: An IT company often provides experts to advise on implementing new technologies, optimizing business processes, or selecting appropriate technological solutions.
- Cloud solutions: Many IT companies specialize in implementing and managing cloud solutions, such as data storage, application hosting, and data analysis platforms.
- IT security: Protection against cyberattacks, security audits, implementing security policies, and network monitoring are just some of the IT companies' responsibilities in this area.
- IT infrastructure management: In this area, a company may manage servers, databases, networks, and endpoints.
- Technical Support and Service: An IT company may provide support for its own products or general IT support for other companies, managing their technology on a daily basis.
- Training: Many IT providers also offer training in software use and secure technology use.
- Hardware Solutions: Some IT companies may also provide and configure computer, server, or network hardware.
Depending on their specialization and size, an IT company may offer one, several, or all of the above solutions. When choosing a provider, it's important to thoroughly understand their services and tailor them to your individual needs.
At Support Online, we have been supporting companies for years with
- comprehensive user support (both on-site and remotely),
- we service computers, phones, tablets, and related network issues,
- we specialize in server administration: Windows, Linux/Unix,
- we support virtualizers such as KVM, Hyper-V, VMWare, and Proxmox,
- we support cloud services, particularly solutions such as Azure, Microsoft 365, and AWS,
- we monitor servers and devices on the internet,
- we consult on development, DRP, and support the stability of your business in the IT layer.
If you're looking for a good IT company, Support Online is the right place to grow your business.
It's worth using an IT company like Support Online when:
- You plan to implement new technologies or software in your company.
- You need specialized technology consulting.
- You want to optimize existing IT processes.
- You struggle with digital security issues.
- You need support in managing your IT infrastructure.
- You lack internal resources or expertise to implement certain technology projects.
Using external IT experts can bring benefits in terms of saving time and resources, and ensuring high-quality solutions.
Hiring an IT company like Support Online offers several key benefits over an IT freelancer:
- Support from the entire team: An IT company has a full team of specialists, from DevOps specialists and Cyber Security Specialists to IT Helpdesk Specialists, who possess diverse skills and experience, enabling faster problem resolution and the implementation of more complex projects.
- Reliability and stability: IT companies have an established reputation and track record, which can translate into greater reliability and stability of services.
- Maintenance and support: An IT company can offer service contracts, warranties, and after-sales support, which may be more difficult to obtain from an individual freelancer.
- Resources: Companies have access to more resources, tools, and technologies that can accelerate and improve project execution.
- Long-term availability: The risk of a freelancer disappearing or changing careers is greater than the risk of a well-established company going out of business.
However, it's worth noting that the choice between a company and a freelancer depends on your specific needs and situation. If you value peace of mind and a quick response to unexpected problems, it is worth choosing an IT company such as Support Online.
Partnering with IT Support Online offers the following advantages:
- Professional IT outsourcing: The company guarantees high-quality IT outsourcing services for businesses of all sizes.
- Comprehensive IT support: IT Support Online provides comprehensive IT support that meets the diverse needs of businesses.
- Saves time and money: With our support, clients can focus on their core business activities while reducing the costs associated with information technology management.
- Serving a diverse range of businesses: The company specializes in serving both small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations, demonstrating its flexibility and ability to adapt to diverse client needs.
- Leadership in IT outsourcing: The company is recognized as a leader in IT outsourcing, particularly in the Poznań and Warsaw regions.
By partnering with our company, IT Support Online, businesses can count on a high standard of service and professionalism at every stage of the relationship.
