Protect Your Data!

It is interesting to listen to PC users, especially inexperienced ones, when they express concern for their computers. In most cases they are completely unaware of the need to do backups. Once they realize that it is inevitable that problems will occur (not if, but when), they often seem more concerned with protecting the software (including the operating system) than the data. This is well reflected in a blog by Steve Riley, a Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Senior Security Strategist. Considering the many economical choices technology offers today, there is no excuse for not having backups of all critical data. Here is my call to action: please spread the word -- data is far more important than programs. One can always re-install all the programs on a computer (it is a good idea to keep a current list of those installed, especially critical applications) -- but one can never replace data files like the photos of one's first born or that critical tax return (with supporting documents) that the IRS may require for an audit.