Protecting Your Computer System

April 13, 2006

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So, you've acquired your computer system and started the process of computerizing many of your daily tasks. If you are like many business owners, you very well may find that the system becomes an integral part of your business operations. You may even begin to wonder how you managed to survive without a computer. (And, if you haven't properly set up your computer workstation, how you'll possibly survive the physical ailments you've encountered while using your computer.) The more important question, however, is where would you be if you should happen to lose the use of your computer or the information it contained?

As is the case with any of your valuable assets, you need to be concerned about protecting your computer system from theft and damage by natural causes (floods, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.). Accidents, ranging from coffee spills to accidental destruction of computer files, are another threat to your system, as are intentional acts of destruction and damage.

Apart from insuring your computer system, steps you can take to protect your system include the following:

Run all of your computer equipment through a surge suppressor rather than directly through a wall outlet. Abrupt changes in electrical flow can instantly damage sensitive components and corrupt files. Surge suppressors ensure that the electrical flow to your system remains constant. If you're in an area that suffers frequent blackouts or brownouts, you should probably look into acquiring a unit that provides both surge suppression as well as back-up battery power.
Dust is another enemy. Keep your computer and printer covered when they are not being used, and store your CDs and DVDs in enclosed cases.
Make two backup copies of all your software and important work files. Keep one set of the copies at your work site (where they'll be readily available if needed) and safely store the other set off site.
If you want to limit access to the computer, look for a system that's equipped with a lock to prevent it from being turned on without a key. Another option is to install password protection, which can be configured to allow specific individuals varying degrees of access to data residing on the computer. This allows you to keep sensitive information on the computer without fear of someone unauthorized reading it.
If downloading files off the Internet or an online service, get a program that detects and removes computer viruses. Check all disks, CDs, DVDs etc. that you receive from others for viruses before you transfer the information to your computer. Also get in the habit of regularly running a virus check on your hard drive. Remember, it takes only one unchecked virus to cause a potentially devastating loss of both information and the use of your valuable computer equipment. Spyware is another growing threat that must be dealt with. Lavasoft's Adaware program is free and effective at handling spyware. This software exists to help you block this sort of malware and to remove any examples that might find their way onto your hard drive before they can do any major damage. And be sure to install a firewall program!