10 computing commandments all should follow

July 3, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Making regular backups of your computer’s data would most certainly be near the top of the 10 commandments of computing if there was such a list.

Needless to say, no such tablets exist as far as I know. But there are certain things one should do to insure that your computing experience will always be a happy one.

If I had to come up with such a list, this one would be my best shot at it.

Always use an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) with your computer. You never know when the power will go out.

Always make regular, scheduled backups of your computer’s data.

Always have some kind of anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware or Internet security software in place.

Always secure your WiFi network with the best available encryption such as WPA2.

Choose your operating system wisely and not based on what someone told you to use.

Select your Internet access speed based on what you need and can afford, and not just on the fastest speed that’s available in your area.

Spend the most you can afford on a new computer to help stave off obsolescence.

You probably don’t need a mouse with more than three buttons and a scroll wheel.

Always use a router, a firewall and never connect directly to the Internet.

Always have an extra toner or ink cartridge for your printer nearby. (They always seem to run out when the stores are closed and your report is due first thing in the morning.)

There you have it. No tablets, and certainly no fanfare. Just some basic, common sense rules of computing that will keep you out of trouble. That said, let me tell you about Second Copy from Centered Systems.

SECOND COPY

Second Copy is an easy-to-use backup software utility that works with Windows XP and later. Second Copy 8 is the current version.

Second Copy lets you define sets of profiles that are comprised of files and folders that tell the program exactly what you want copied, to where you want them copied and when you want it to happen.

One of the things I like best about Second Copy is that it doesn’t use any propriety formats.

In other words, you don’t need Second Copy to restore your data. You can use Windows Explorer or any other copy utility to restore the files from the backup you made using Second Copy. You can, however, use up to 256-bit AES Encryption to secure and compress your data if you like.

Data can be backed up from networked PCs as well. Second Copy can even send an email notification when the backup is completed.

Second Copy has a fully functional 30-day free trial, sells for $29.95 and is available for download at www.secondcopy.com.

Craig Crossman is a national newspaper columnist writing about computers and technology. He also hosts the No. 1 daily national computer radio talk show, “Computer America,” heard on Business TalkRadio — Monday through Friday, 10 p.m.-midnight. For more information, visit his website at www.computeramerica.com.

2011, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services