Computer and IT Support.

Typical visits to clients always finish with our question,
“Where is your backup?”
Often backup systems are still not in place. Backing up data is not what it used to be. Data can be backed up:
locally to another hard drive in your computer, or
it could be on a USB drive, or
it could be in the cloud or
it could be on your network.

Don’t be put off by all the avenues available to back up data. All this means is there is something for everyone when it comes to backing up your data. Backup solutions vary based on how people use their computers. The most basic of home users may feel most comfortable with an external hard drive that Windows automatically backs up to on a given night of the week. Small business and home office users may need something more robust like a cloud-based solution. These are all questions Rent A Nerd can answer for you in plain English. No confusing jargon here!

Some of the latest backup technology includes online or “in the cloud” and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. For basic file backup cloud-based solutions can be the most practical. Perhaps you already operate with a service like Google Drive or Apple iCloud. Most people already have their photos backed up in Apples iCloud photo library. NAS drives are a managed storage device that connects to your home network. The easiest way to describe them is a small computer with lots of storage space. The computer part looks after physical hardware used for storage. It ensures that data integrity is maintained and that if any issues do arise you are alerted by email.

The storage part can be as large or small as required. As this device is plugged into your network you can access it from multiple machines around your home or small office. You can setup secure folders so that for business purposes employees cannot see each other’s data, or for domestic purposes the kids cannot see the parent’s information. These devices are more robust than standard cloud-based storage. They also have the added benefit of being physically visible, you can see the device, unlike cloud-based storage that could be anywhere out there in cyberspace.

In addition to the backup system most suitable for your environment it is critical to test it regularly to ensure it is working. The majority of our first-time visits indicate that while backup functionality is available it is not being utilised correctly. Backup systems always need to be configured, you cannot just plug a USB hard drive into your laptop and assume that your backup is working. Many factors are at play here:
What is being backed up?
Where is it being backed up from?
What time and day is the backup running?

These are just some of the many questions that pertain to setting up a backup system.
Whatever your backup requirements are Rent A Nerd can meet them. We will discuss with you the most suitable system and most importantly ensure it is working!
We are very conscious about talking your language, we guarantee not to leave you confused or in doubt about your backup. Our team always strives to ensure that customer service remains our highest priority.