In a simple defining explanation, when we buy or create something, we want it to be around for as long as it brings us pleasure, or serves a purpose of importance. No matter if it is a painting, or a party, we try to find a safe place for the art, even after it is done, and somebody better be taking pictures of this worthwhile event. In business, the data of various purpose holds important not only as records, but with computers being the drafting board, and the files providing and end product, having one or more forms of preserving this information has lead to various methods of protection. The photographer keeps his negatives, and even the photographs are stored in a proper environment.
No matter if it is business or personal, we create and display many forms of work, and knowing that we have some form of preserving these works, not only brings a sense of security, but of purpose. If thought of deeply, our time in creating is our personal timeline of history, which in itself brings stories and renewed pleasure.
Computers have so many possibilities, that its truest shortcoming is not to use it at all. But it takes time, from powering on, and until it is shut off. This is where we decide to invest time to create and communicate. As more files are created, it takes time for the machine to startup and be ready. As we find newer software to use, it takes us time to understand what is possible, and how it can be used. It would be a hardship to provide so much time in front of a machine for several hours, only to watch it turn off from a power fluctuation, where you are back to square one (experiences I had when first starting with computers back in 1989), or the accidental erasure of files you had placed so much time in completing.
Describing the types and purposes of Protection
Deciding when to Update
The two types of protection that essential in securing your computer files are duplication and privacy. From here both types of protection take on multiple topics, ideas and alternatives.
Duplication holds a variety of purposes. Two of the most common are Reserve and Emergency copies or better known as backups. The reserve copy is sometimes an afterthought, since copying to an alternative location involves time, consideration, and more evidently, money. But, things sometimes go wrong and having “all your eggs in one basket” may ruin a persons’ day. Computers show their age, and may break down, and in 1989, if you did not constantly, and manually, save your files, the occasional power fluctuation meant starting over (1989). Even in the concept of repairing a corrupt file, that backup copy can be a lifesaver, even if it means it’s an older and unfinished copy. At least you didn’t lose everything.
For the basic user a reserve copy is stored on CDs, or external hard drives and floppies are still used. CD’s sometimes play the main role of a finished project, where the computer holds the reserve copy, and the CD is passed around to other viewers, as they are easy to carry when traveling. If this is your case, it should be suggested to make one more reserve copy.
External hard drives play a key role when working with more than one machine, and also can be a key focus when using personal software that is used for maintaining financial records, unfinished projects, and other important information. By using an external hard drive for things like the virtual check book, the external hard drive can be unplugged from the computer, removing any possible access from anyone on the internet, or even from the prying eyes of the kids. But again, this would be the primary location, and a timely backup would be on another storage source, such as a floppy or rewriteable CD.
Emergency copies usually relate to files that are in constant use, and by more than one person, and in all businesses that now use computers as the common tool and resource, should anything go wrong to the original “products of business”, the urgency to restore and in a timely manner is constantly approached by alternative solutions.
Duplication of Files
Deciding on the options available
The word Duplication is a term that describes copies of the original, reserving the original while the project remains in use, and replication. The obvious topic is having a copy of your files, as a whole. In many of today’s professional software there are options where the program will save your file while you are still using it, and at a designated time period that the user can alter. But this is saving the same file. Other software extends protecting the file by also creating a “recoverable” copy. These abilities not only save the work in progress, but also save time.
Making a backup copy of your files involves building a routine, and deciding on if a master copy is a consideration. In an opinion, the best routine is to copy the projects at the time you have decided to stop working on it for that period of time. If you work with multiple software files in a typical “sit down session”, it would mean making a copy of each file used. In an office environment, a shared copy of a file may always be accessible to more than one person, and each person would have a backup copy on their machine, separate from the shared folder. Another practice of shared files is to first copy the file before starting work with it, protecting the original work before you plan on adding, changing, or modifying. This way if you have an unexpected problem with your working copy (for unknown reasons, such as human error, or machine problems), the original copy can be put back, and only you (out of the whole team) would need to recreate your work.
The Master copy can be a monthly, quarterly, or semi annual decision, where the almost all of the computers important files (minus the operating system; you usually find yourself rebuilding the machine in times of tragedy, and that is by using the original installation software), and is convenient in times when upgrading or purchasing additional computers, leaving the first computer in service and available until the process is finished. Master copies are also a benchmark of a period in time, called archiving, and can later be used in reflecting on how one built subfolders and other file structures.
Replication of files
A practice of automatic backup of files
Replication is commonly used in a business network environment, and many of the business networking features use replication process to duplicate user names and permission on multiple domain controller Servers, and when replicating the whole network in what is a storage area network, like a “twin domain” of the business, is usually at another location. This twin is an expensive but time saving solution in the event of complete loss of a building, due to fire or other means. To create a second network takes twice the money to have twice the sense of security. The realistic value of resources usually has companies decide on complete network backup software, which is only a gamble should such a catastrophic event happen. Of course, rebuilding a complete network now takes time and money, and both processes are always reconsidered, depending on the size and type of business.
The typical home computer still equipped with anything similar is what looks like a file or folder itself, called a briefcase. These are still provided through the operating system software, and are installed with the operating system. They are not easy to locate, and you may have to run a search on your local drive to locate it. The principles are different, but the concept of this briefcase is still the same.
What the briefcase does is not hold the files, like a folder, but instead, the locations of the original file and its copied file. If you have the briefcase, you could click and drag the file on top of it, and then click and drag the copy on top of it. The briefcase recognizes that these are exact files, and through some configurations , will now keep the both files up to date (i.e., if you should make a change to the copy, the briefcase will see this by the date/time it was modified), and can be setup to automatically update these files by a time frame you set up. This brief case is not used to replicate your whole system, but instead, you’re most commonly used fie, such as your bank software. The only concern is if you move either copy of the files to a new location, you have to erase the original locations from the briefcase, and “carry” the file to the briefcase again.
Duplication Practices
Storage Size vs. Money
The first reason a person purchases a computer is for information and communication. Surfing the Internet bring instant information to you, without you traveling to get it. Then there is email. Later, there is a need to save important information, and even pictures that were included. But before we go into anymore details, to those who just need it to gain information, or to just say hello, investing time and money into duplicating information doesn’t have the same priority. If in the event you had to rebuild your computer, much of everything you need to get back online is included on the installation software’s, and time is only invested in reconfiguring everything, and in many cases, the restore program already on you computer, can bring you back to a later time period when your computer worked fine.
To the remaining population, those priceless pictures and articles saved were only the beginning, as you also find interests in creating and sending pictures, projects, and other important files.
The cheapest external storage is a floppy disk. But they are limited in file size, and even pictures can take up space. Floppies, along with smart cards and compact cards are ideal for simple file projects, where sharing information can be distributed. But a photo album of medium or large size won’t fit on a floppy.
ZIP drives devices are external devices, where the disks can be loaded are bigger in file size, and may suit your purpose. But as you save more files, this is still limited as a means of protecting your important files, and still is ideal to share files…if the other person also has a Zip Drive, and are a little more expensive investment.
CDs and the bigger (by Gigabytes in size) DVD writable Disks and Drives are the most common ways of duplicating multiple files and folders, and after the initial investment, is an economical way to safe keep and archive old and active record files. The only time it is a waste is when you only need one simple file copied to share with another. In this case, you might just want to send it in an email.
Buying a second hard drive is the next course to consider, and…they come either as internal or external hard drives. The internal hard drive commonly is used as a primary extension to the first hard drive, leaving it available against the exacting privacy of removing the files…and to a separate stored location, away from the computer.
Privacy and File Protection
The levels of privacy and protection
Privacy is not in the eye of the beholder, and every individual should have their own corner of the world! Now, back to reality…
Privacy, the importance of, and the amount of privacy varies with each person, substance, group, and business. Still, respect at these levels sometimes seems nil. And, privacy is not only the wishes expressed to others, an exercise of responsibility of one’s self. It’s not private if it is out in “plain view”. And, even in the workplace, what is privately invested in, not only reflects, but also is against the purpose for being at the workplace.
Even at home; to have the family share the same computer carries that element of curiosity. As the owner, you can setup individual user’s, and set them with limited access to change programs, and in some cases gain access to opening, altering or destroying your files. Much office software, like Word processor software and financial software, gives you the opportunity to set up password access to opening, changing, and even swapping ownership to that file. And like everything else, even operating systems of the home edition and Professional edition offer different levels of security.
In the Professional edition, you not only are able to set up limited user permission, but you can also decide on who has access to individual files and folders, and at what level each individual person can alter or modify those files and folders. The professional edition is typically three times as much, because of these security features, plus other precision features.
The internet seems to be a “proving ground” for hackers and virus attackers, and both have one thing in common, to compromise your sense of security.
The best way to keep essentially personal and private programs from anyone, is to have an external storage device, and that can be locked up in a box, hidden in a closet, or placed away amongst all those multiple copies of installation software (in a sense, lost in a crowd).
Internet & Network Privacy
Public vs. Private
If you visited a busy city, stood in the middle of the crowd and screamed, “Leave me alone!”, you may think that would get you some distance. But, there is that occasion when instead of at least getting strange looks; somebody just may see that demand as an entertaining challenge, leaving this an impractical exercise and a dangerous option.
Computers give us a whole host of options and some conflict when those options need us to gain information on the internet to create a private article or project. It would be cruelly opinionative to suggest having separate machines, one for public access, and one for your private works, and pointing out that by disabling and enabling your network connection setting on the machine may sound like a simple solution, but the fact is we don’t want it that way. We go from private activities to public access too often. And, even for the select few who only visit the internet occasionally, this process would slip the mind, and the individual would think that something is wrong with the machine or service provider. The compromise between access and security, and at what level and time, will always be part of any project and activity.
Software firewalls come close to giving us that gated option of having the best of both worlds. We can turn on and off the access to the network, and when turned on, we can decide at what level we still want security. And in those occasions when we do find a certain attack, we can block that user or IP Address (which would also block other programs using that address…use caution). To those who desire this flexibility, the firewall and its settings are both a form of interest, knowledge, and even entertainment, and would be remembered more likely.
Firewall devices, such as routers, are the most common, and offer a stronger gate than the software versions. But the configurations are not as convenient, and are typically set once for all purposes of security and availability.
The best course of action for keeping files private and secure remains by means of having an external storage device.
Firewall Software
Different types and some dangers
Firewall software comes in many brands and types, and to the developers, manufacturers, and technical teams, I apologize for only breaking them into selective categories. But the intent of the article is to give the basic knowledge of firewall options, and express the deeper intention to the user to look for the more advanced information that will suit their needs. And to the reader, this is the very least amount of information provided to give you a basic concept to the purpose and need of firewalls.
There are many different manufacturers of firewall products, although only a few seem to be known. Like choosing a house, look around and do some research. For these practical purposes, I have chosen only to categorize the different types of firewalls into personal and professional versions.
Firewalls are not just a gate that opens and closes, but is purposely designed to be flexible enough to limit who and even when others have access to your machine, such as if you have a shared folder for others to access, and know their limits and permission property settings.
With the most commonly used personal firewall software, you have a great deal of control and comfort and should know that for the common personal user, this is a practical source of protection you desire.
For those work at home individuals who professionally offer services in finance and healthcare, legal, and other professions, you should consider looking into the professional and business firewall protection software. Just keep in mind that the professional software has a multitude of options that can also impair options such as windows and software updates, preventing part or all of the updates from being downloaded and installed. This can also remove instead of replace operating system files needed for the basic startup of the computer.
When you choose to purchase business firewall software versions for extra security, invest in working with the support team of the product to go over your desired needs, and allow them to provide the needed and set security.
The simplest option is to turn off the firewall during windows and other software updates, but then you would have to choose to manually schedule updates rather than allow the updates to run automatically.
Firewall Hardware
Firewall Routers and (wireless Access Points)
Routers and Access points come in many different varieties (types), and in two types of categories; wired and wireless, giving a host of options that include setting days and times when access is available not only from the internet, but also to the internet. If you have children and afforded them their own computer, you can use these devices like nannies, cutting of access to the internet after it is their bedtime. This is done by the knowing each computer IP or MAC Address, and avoids you from also limiting access through your computer when you only want to cut off theirs.
Routers also give you the option of making only one computer seen from the internet. This comes in handy should you advance into having your own file sharing server, or website Server.
And along those lines, for businesses, you can provide wireless access fro more than just yourself, and have control on when access to the internet for your clients to use the PDAs and laptops, while they are in your waiting room, or in a meeting with you. After business hours, you can configure the access to be blocked, except for your own set of wireless computers. The reason for this is to not have access by those from nearby offices to the internet, and after the close of your business. Although many Internet service providers offer 24 hours at a set rate, the idea is to keep strangers from accessing your internet access when your not there…even if they are outside your office.
Wireless routers and access points can also limit only certain machines from gaining access to the internet, and also prevent them from access to your network. Be aware! This solely depends on how you build your network too. You would want the wireless outside your second software firewall so control to who has access to your domain remains in tact. In this case, you should also have an Internet Acceleration and Security software version installed for the utmost security control.
Networks
Security Designs and Structures
Whether at home or in a business once you have two or more computer devices that are built for internet access, you have a network. And depending on how you build your network will advance it to a Domain. Much of this will be written in another article, but it was important to mention this when discussing security and privacy. Here is where privacy is not only a concern from the outside world, but also by some else, and by means of using another computer, as opposed to having access to your private files through the use of one computer.
Although, computers are also designed to give each computer a shared folder, so some files worth finding can be placed here, and as long as you keep it on, they would freely be able to access, copy, and even “take” that file to their computer. Hey, not everything has to be passed on through email.
Basically, when you have an internet provider such as DSL, Cable, T1, or better, they typically supply you with a modem, not a router. A modem is a way to translate the type of communication from the service provider to your computer network, and is a gateway to their service network.
From there, setting up your network of computers, and how to protect them is entirely up to you. And, depending on whether you use a router, access point, switch, hub, or any other connecting means to that modem classifies what type of network you have created. This can be a simple network, where all the computers independently have access to the network, or as complex as creating a domain, where a group of computers see each other (if they have the same workgroup of domain name), and what access to each other and when can also be controlled. With Professional Operating software, you can truly create a domain that also controls user permissions, folder and file limitations, and individual software access. Now, that’s security!
So now, especially in the family household, when you are in this much control who is the person or persons who holds the key and control to the domain?
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Above is a random extract from Associated Content, visit Associated Content for the actual writer for this article.