desktop

As somewhat a continuance from my post regarding the use 7-Zip as part of an overall backup solution therein also lies the need for a file retention strategy too.

If we simply allow the creation of daily or weekly backups to run unchecked then dependant upon the size of the archive, the frequency of the backup job and ultimately the amount of available disk space we reach some kind of threshold. This necessitates the need for a retention strategy.

When performing file compression most people instinctively refer to WinZip. Beginning with Microsoft Windows ME (who can forget that quality release!), the Windows Operating System included their own tool for file compression.

While these along with many others provide a means to an end they are all limited in one particular way or another. Enter 7-Zip!

While I myself have only been using 7-Zip for the past 2 to 3 years it has none the less been around since the latter part of 2001.

Controlling what information can be moved around via thumb drives, i-Pods, cameras and other forms of removable storage media has gained a lot of focus over the past 12-months. It's not to say the need hasn't been there for much longer, because it has, just that media attention following exposure and loss of personal information, for instance social security numbers, has resulted in auditor attention.

There are a number of third-party products that claim to control usage of and the functionality thereto in terms of read or read-write capability for USB storage devices, however, in my experience the simplest approach is usually the only approach that stands the test of time.

I recently had a couple of friends ask me for advice on what they should be doing to better protect themselves when 'surfing-the-net'.

So, taking into consideration that not everyone is as technical or computer savvy as the next person, I dispensed the following pieces of advice; realistically these should reduce the chances of something bad befalling you PC.

1. Ensure you have Anti-Virus Protection and that it is updated daily.
2. Ensure you have Anti-Spyware Protection (which may or may not be part of your A/V solution) and update it regularly.
3. Do not download files, launch attachments or click on links in email from people you don't know or trust!
4. Use a firewall - if you can't afford or don't know how to set up a hardware-based variant, get a software one (if you use Windows XP you already have one, so use it!)
5. Use a secure browser to protect yourself and ensure you use HTTPS type communication when performing credit card or banking transactions. If you are uncertain of a sites legitimacy, use McAfee SiteAdviser to check it automatically for you.
6. Make sure your system is up to date with system updates and patches.
7. Never click on links in email from your bank or any other financial institution (including Pay Pal or similar), go directly to the site yourself and find what they were referring to. (Not all messages received are legitimate and some financial institutions now have policies against sending linked messages to their customers/members).
8. Store highly personal information inside an encrypted file or folder.

There are a lot of applications available online that are FREE for personal use and with which you can make your time online that much safer.

Here are a handful of suggestions (this list is not exhaustive by any means):

Anti-Virus - Avast or AVG Anti-Virus or Avira AntiVir
Spyware - Microsoft Windows Defender or Ad-Aware SE Personal or SpyBot
Firewall - Zone Alarm or Comodo or Windows Service Pack 2.
Browser - FireFox or Opera
Encrypted Storage - TrueCrypt

Some food for thought at the very least, I'm sure you will agree!

Dave
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http://www.poscribes.com