Don’t want to become a statistic? The answer is to back up.

That will be the topic for my next column. Before you can understand the answer, you first must understand the problems associated with the forms of digital storage.

Digital data are commonly stored in one of three forms: magnetic, flash and optical.

“Magnetic” refers to any magnetic media, such as the average hard drive or floppy disk. This is the most common storage method. Almost every PC uses this as the main form of data storage.

“Flash” refers to any non-volatile storage method that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed. It includes USB flash/thumb drives, compact media commonly used in digital cameras, and solid-state hard drives, which are starting to appear in many netbooks.

“Optical” refers to data stored on any optically readable medium, such as CDs or DVDs, and also includes the newer Blu-ray format.

Each method has its pros and cons.

Though the most popular, magnetic storage is also the most prone to failure. Floppy disks are no longer widely used for many reasons, one of which is their ability to deteriorate rapidly over time. Hard drives suffer from the same flaw — although built-in electronic error correction solves much of this, giving you a longer period of usable life.

Magnetic storage can also suffer from mechanical failures. Like a car, a hard drive has many moving parts that rely on precise movements throughout the design. If a single point of failure occurs, the whole thing can go down in flames.

The major “pro” for magnetic media is capacity compared to price, and ease of use. Hard drives are astoundingly cheap compared to just a few years ago, and every operating system includes an easy method to use the storage they provide.

Flash memory storage is likely to become “the next big thing.” The big holdup is its limited capacity and price when compared to its magnetic counterparts. While a standard, 250 gigabyte desktop hard drive will run you about $60, the cheapest solid-state drive of the same size costs more than 10 times as much.

Capacities are increasing and prices are dropping. That, coupled with the fact that flash media have no moving parts and can retain information for 10-plus years, makes flash desirable. Durability alone has made it the popular choice for mobile electronics. Every cell phone uses flash storage. It’s certainly the data storage technology to watch.

Optical data storage, like its siblings, has grown in capacity over the last 10 years, though not with the same exponential rate we’ve seen with the other two forms. The most recent addition to the family is Blu-ray, allowing 10 times the amount of data to be stored than a DVD.

Optical storage isn’t as user-friendly, frequently requiring separate software for its use. In addition, physical storage can become a nuisance.

On the plus side, the cost-to-capacity equation leans in favor of optical storage, making it the most cost effective.

Data retention, according to manufacturers, is said to be up to 100 years for the optical format. More realistic estimates put it closer to 40 years, though this doesn’t account for things like atmospheric changes and handling. Optical discs are very prone to physical damage, including scratches and even fingerprints.

The other concern is sustainability. In 40 years, will the hardware and interfaces even exist to read the DVDs of today?

No matter what media you choose, upgrades are going to be vital to keep data available in the future. For this reason, retention rates really don’t mean as much.

Now that you have some background on data storage methods, you should be able to better assess which works best for you. I encourage you to stay tuned next week for data backup methods.

• Adrian Santangelo owns and operates a technology company in the Skagit Valley and has 15 years of professional technology experience. He can be reached at Adrian@InterpretingTech.com

Wireless networks are commonplace these days. They are so ubiquitous and inexpensive that almost anyone can set one up in a matter of minutes with $100 (or less) worth of equipment.

Today, laptops come with wireless capability built in. It’s the same story for gaming consoles such as XBox and Wii. Mobile phones now are so connected to the wireless signals that surround us, I don’t even carry a laptop anymore. The Netbook, a miniature laptop which does little more than access e-mail and the Internet, is designed to pick up on available wireless signals.

The widespread use of wifi introduces a security issue often overlooked by many home users and businesses. With many consumer electronics coming wifi-ready, it’s easier than ever before for someone with malicious intent to discover your unsecured network.

Though wireless hardware hasn’t changed drastically over the last few years, the software side of things has become very point-and-click friendly to set up. Many users simply plug it in and start using the network without giving much thought to security. Taking a few extra minutes to configure the security features of your wireless router or access point (WAP) is time well spent.

What should you do to protect yourself? The first two steps below are a must. The last two are recommended but create a trade-off between security and ease of use.

1) Secure the administrative interface. All routers/WAPs have an admin password that’s needed to log into the device before you’re able to modify any settings. Most devices use a weak default password or no password at all. Your first step when setting up the device should be to change the default password, preferably to something secure. Since you may not use this password often, be sure to record it in a safe place.

2) Enable wireless encryption. Most devices support a handful of encryption options. Each one comes with pros and cons, though explaining the differences would be an article in itself. In general, you should avoid “WEP” encryption unless you absolutely have no other choice. WEP has well-known weaknesses that make it relatively easy for anyone with freely available software to break right in. Some older devices only support WEP.

Some professionals will use WEP for ease of use and “compatibility,” though frequently this is just laziness or ignorance. WEP is still better than nothing, as long as you understand the caveats. By simply avoiding the temptation to skip setting up encryption altogether, you deserve a pat on the back.

It’s recommended to start with “WPA2” and see if the wireless clients support it. Anything that has come out in the last 2 or 3 years should support WPA2. Older devices might need a simple software update.

3) Disable SSID broadcast. Most wireless devices automatically and continually broadcast the network name, or SSID. This provides simplicity and convenience when setting up wireless clients, since locating the network is done automatically by the client. On the flip side, it also advertises your network to any device within range. Turning off the SSID broadcast makes your network invisible to the average user, though more advanced software won’t be fooled.

4) Enable MAC filtering. This is probably the best thing you can do for network access control. A MAC address is like a hardware fingerprint; no two are the same, and every network device has one. Enabling MAC filtering is like having a fingerprint scanner at the entrance, limiting network access to only approved devices. Even if a device knows your network name and password, it’s not getting in unless it’s on your list.

In order to use this filter, you’ll need to know the MAC address of every device that may access your device and enter it into the router or WAP. This can be inconvenient, especially with many clients or frequent changes.

This quick-and-dirty guide is by no means complete but should provide enough insight to avoid the common pitfalls of an open network. If this column leaves you with questions, please hit up your favorite search engine or e-mail me for additional information.

• Adrian Santangelo owns and operates a technology company in the Skagit Valley and has 15 years of professional technology experience. He can be reached at InterpretingTech@cpusrc.com

By Adrian Santangelo, July 15, 2007

Before You Begin

Choosing a computer shouldn’t be a chore. Finding the right place to purchase from first will help! Make sure the store has knowledgeable staff and specializes in computer repair and service, as they will have the experience necessary to properly assist you. Call them first and ask questions - they should be helpful and not make you feel like you are “wasting their time” – and of course knowledgeable about the various options. You’ll also find that custom built systems will have a better value then “off the shelf” systems. The biggest reason: quality of parts. A “big box” chain store usually stocks only the mainstream systems that weren’t built on-site. Unfortunately these big OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) buy their parts in bulk, frequently from the cheapest bidder. Stores that build custom systems will buy “best of breed” parts, meaning they shop for the higher quality parts, as they won’t be getting huge volume discounts, plus they are not required to buy certain things because of partnership programs. A custom built system will also allow you to only purchase the parts you need rather then overbuying “because it’s what they had”. Anytime you add unnecessary features and software to a system, you can introduce problems. You’ll also find that stores specializing in system building and repair will frequently have a better warranty. No need to call an 800 number just to struggle with the person on the other end for hours! Local shops care about the systems they build. Lastly, a custom built system will be much easier and cheaper to upgrade as all parts are standardized, unlike the proprietary parts used by the big OEMs (This is where they make their money - over charging for after-market parts!).

The First Step- The Question

A good system builder will start out by asking you one question, which you should do your best to be prepared for: What are you going to use the system for? Though computers are designed to do a multitude of tasks, having one built around your major task(s) is ideal. For example, if you plan on using your system for basic productivity (Office/Internet), buying a system with high end audio/video components will likely be a waste of your money and could even lead to frustrations. Instead, let a custom system builder design a system around your needs. You should never have to adapt to the system - it should adapt to you!

Accessories & Software

Once you have figured out the best parts for your system, the next task is to figure out the accessories. Wireless or wired mouse/keyboard? What type of Internet access are you going to have (high speed or dial-up)? What size of monitor are you going to need? All these questions should be easy to answer after talking to the staff. They should be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Since these items are going to be how you interact with the system, don’t let the store skip through them quickly. Get all the information you can! Also pay attention to what is installed – full version or trial? Freeware or shareware? Bloatware or useful applications? Especially look at the security software. Malicious software (or malware for short) is everywhere online. Estimates put the number of infected systems above 90% - make sure the store you choose explains your antivirus options and why they pick a certain product. Just because a certain program is popular does NOT mean it is the best choice. Many “big box” retailers push products they can make the most money on, not the ones that will do the best job.

Warranty

Now that you have picked out your perfect package, you should make sure it is protected. Since all computer parts are mass produced, they can simply fail. Make sure you get a solid warranty for at least 1 year. Be sure to ask what the manufacturer’s warranty on the parts is AFTER the store’s warranty expires. (Many of the big OEMs will not cover systems sold at the “big box” stores.) This can be from 1-3 years, or even a lifetime warranty. A good store will provide priority service for all warranty repairs, as well as cover parts and labor if the need arises. You should never feel “like a bother” because your system had an issue covered by the warranty.

Maintenance

Any good computer builder can provide maintenance instructions for your system. This will increase the life of your system and lessen the likelihood of problems cropping up. It can also help the builder reduce the amount of warranty repairs, so those that care will help!

Upgrades

Eventually, every system needs to be upgraded. With the fast paced technology advances of today, you may find yourself needing an upgrade sooner then you think! The average lifespan of a computer is 3-4 years, but many decide to upgrade sooner then that. With a custom system, you don’t have to go buy a whole new system when the time comes - simply upgrade the parts as needed. (This is a good reason to ensure the location you purchase your computer from specializes in repairs and service, as well as system building.)

Beyond The System

Computers require attention beyond just the assembly. You may run into software issues, have networking troubles, Internet service provider questions, etc. Making sure you choose a store that can help you with all your needs will greatly reduce the amount of frustration and problems you’ll have. Lastly, most people are going to run into questions while using their system. Ensuring the store you choose has friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff will dramatically increase your enjoyment of the system overall. After all, it’s YOUR computer, so you should enjoy it!

Another option: The next time you walk down the automotive isle at your favorite store, look for some “Auto Glass” cleaner. (It will look similar to a spray bottle of Windex, but again, never use Windex!) You will notice that “Auto Glass” cleaner contains no Ammonia - make sure of this by looking for the words “Ammonia Free” on the container. What’s better… the price is just slightly more than regular window cleaner. Now you have something to clean your LCD screen plus your car windows!

There are commercial cleaning solutions out there. In fact, we sell one at the store. In reality, it’s more expensive then making your own, though there is the convenience factor. Plus the one we sell foams nicely so you don’t have to chase it down the screen. The choice is yours of which to use!

A good battery backup serves two purposes:

1. Provides power to the system during a brownout/blackout.

2. Constantly controls the voltage flowing to the system.

Battery backups vary in price and function quite a bit. Some are designed to only allow enough runtime to gracefully save your work and shutdown while others are designed to be a replacement power source when needed. Your individual needs will determine the best solution. In general, the more expensive the device, the longer the runtime. Some battery backups even provide software that can control the system in case of a power outage when no one is present, allowing for a graceful shutdown and avoiding possible data corruption and loss. (This is usually done via a proprietary cable that is attached to the system via serial or USB.)

Voltage control is something the better models provide on top of the basic power protection. A computer is surprisingly picky about the power provided to it. If the voltage fluctuates frequently, it can quickly burn up the electronics in a power supply, causing it to fail, and even harm other parts in a system at the same time. A good battery backup will constantly control the flow of electricity a system gets, ensuring it’s a steady stream of what it needs (120V). The average home electrical system fluctuates constantly between 118-122 volts. Without a battery backup, the power supply must control this changing flow all by itself, causing it to work harder and fail sooner.

Last but not least, every battery backup also acts as a surge suppressor. Like the power strips everyone is used to, a battery backup will stop power surges from reaching the devices is protects, sacrificing itself if needed. Hint: look for a battery backup that also provides phone/modem protection or even ethernet/coax if needed. (This is good for protecting computer modems, DSL modem, and cable modems - power surges can come through ANY line that starts outside your home!)

So what is a backup? The simplest answer: A copy of whatever you want to save. After all, no one media storage is reliable enough to be your only copy. Hard drives malfunction. Flash media fails. CDs can break or scratch. Floppies can deteriorate. Any one of these unfortunate events could be the loss of family pictures or mission critical business data. Everyone must take steps to not only prevent data loss, but prepare for it. One key factor that make backups happen: ease of creation! There are a number of backup methods and devices. The most common are external hard drives (magnetic or flash media) and optical (CD/DVD). Both have their strengths and weaknesses. While a CD/DVD backup, if protected, can last for decades, it can also be the most difficult to create or automate. The more difficult it is to create the backup, the less likely it is to be done.

One way around this is fully automated backup procedures using multiple hard drives within a system. This is called RAID and comes in a few flavors. “Mirroring” (or RAID 1) is the most common - and it’s name hints at the method used. A Mirrored RAID is a set of two hard drives that are always an exact copy of each other. This is handled by the hardware inside the computer and is setup before the operating system (like Windows) is ever installed. If one drive was to fail, the system alerts you to the problem, but remains fully operational. Simply replacing the failed drive and rebuilding the mirror gets you back to a protected state. The other RAID format is known as RAID 5. This combines mirroring with another form of RAID called striping that combines multiple hard drives and makes them appear as one to the system. RAID 5 adds speed and fault tolerance to a system. It requires at least 3 drives (though works well with more) and performs faster than just a mirrored RAID. With more drives, multiple drives can fail without data loss. Again, replacing the failed drive(s) and rebuilding the RAID array solves any issues.

RAID arrays are used frequently in business environments when downtime can be costly. It can be somewhat expensive to setup and usually isn’t required for home users or even small businesses. In those cases manually backing up important files can work, but automating the task via software is highly recommended. Depending on how much information you have to back-up will help determine the best means of storage for you. If you only have a few files, then a USB flash/thumb drive might be a good bet. They are pretty cheap and easy to use. Some even come with their own backup software. If you have a lot of data to backup (larger databases or multimedia files), then an external hard drive might be a better way to go. Though cheaper (when compared to the amount of space you get for the price), they are mechanical and have a higher failure rate. However, with proper care and monitoring, they are the preferred method for data backup. Again, some form of automation is highly recommended. Not only does it make backups easier, but it also bypasses the “oops, I forgot to do the backup” scenario. Tape/ZIP drives were popular backup methods a few years ago, but aren’t recommended anymore due to the high failure rates of magnetic tapes.

When dealing with an external backup device and software, there are two main options: file copy and imaging. “File Copy” is what most people are familiar with. If you have some pictures you want to save from your digital camera, you might burn them to a CD for safe keeping, or even storage. This is similar to the file copy method. Software programs (including free ones) can be configured and ran using a variety of means to automate the backup process. “Imaging” is similar to the mirrored RAID method - it makes a clone of your entire hard drive and can store it in a single file. (Frequently, an image of a hard drive is split up into multiple, smaller, files for ease of storage.) From this image, if your drive were to fail, you can put the image back onto a new drive and operate like nothing ever happened. Software must be used for imaging as there is no manual way to create an image of your hard drive.

So what are the pros and cons of each? The file copy method usually takes up less space and can be cheaper since there are free programs that do a wonderful job. It’s also easier to understand and use the end result for most people. Unfortunately it also takes the most amount of time to recover from a failed drive as you need to reinstall your operating system AND all your software before being able to use the data. The imaging method is the opposite - though it can be more difficult and expensive to setup, if ever needed, you can recover to a functional state in a mere fraction of the time. Plus, an added bonus: imaging ensures you don’t forget to backup something. Most people in the information technology industry will recommend imaging as the preferred backup method, though whatever works best for you is what you should do.