Lesson 7

Three backup utilities:

Acronis True Image Home 11

Runs from within Windows or a Liunx-based boot disk

Exact copy of the PC or only backup important data

Test software is safe mode, then decide whether or not to install it

Continue working during backups

Symantec Norton Save & Restore

Full system and incremental backups

Backup file encryption

Restore from system failure or recover data without OS

Create an exact backup copy

NovaBackup

Wizard guides for PC Luddites

Select all files of a certain type, no matter where they are on your hard drive

Disaster Recovery cd to completely restore the computer

Backup computer across a network with Peer-To-Peer

Lesson 7

Don’t get so nervous about viruses! While it’s true they are out there, they are not as omnipotent as you might think. A little prevention can go a long way.

One virus you might encounter is an executable virus. These live in the .exe files that we often click on without thinking twice. They are actually extensions of the executable files, and the virus loads itself into the memory and puts copies of itself into other executable files, thereby proliferating.

Another common virus is a Trojan virus. These are independent programs that disguise themselves as a program you might actually want to run.

You have probably also heard of worm viruses. These do not reproduce throughout your computer, but instead take advantage of a network connection to spread the virus to other computers.

Using an antivirus program on your PC will help keep you safe, as the program will scan your computer for viruses periodically. Human effort can also keep viruses out of your computer. Don’t download attachments if you don’t know where they come from, and know where your software comes from before you install it on your computer!

Lesson 6

There are several options available when installing Windows 2000 and XP. One of these, Remote Installation Services, allows installation by either a scripted or image installation. A scripted installation involves placing shared files on a network. Any computer that is hooked up to the network can connect to the location and start the installation from there. Scripts are used to select all the options and components needed. It’s like having a tech person in your cubicle, telling you which options to pick during the entire installation. In comparison, an image installation is a copy of a hard disk volume with an OS and preinstalled application software. The image can be stored on a cd or a network. The image is copied from the source to the local hard drive.

Lesson 6

When it’s time to upgrade your OS, you want to make sure that all of your current hardware will work with your new system. Before you begin, you’ll need to check the Hardware Compatibility List at www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/search.mspx. What do you do if you can’t find one of your hardware devices on the list? The list serves as a general, but not comprehensive, guideline. Check the discs and documentation that came with the hardware device or the manufacturer’s Web site for the proper drivers for the hardware. You should be able to locate the drivers you need to install a new OS and keep your hardware running.