Backup or Back Out

Does anyone really jump for joy at the thought of their next scheduled backup of their computer files? Virtual Assistants should. In fact, as a VA, you have a professional responsibility to yourself AND your clients to keep your electronic files intact and easily accessible. Hard drive failures and information loss (not to mention other unforseen computer catastrophies) are inherent risks in the Virtual Assistant profession. In fact, it is not a matter of if you will experience massive computer misfortune- it's a matter of when.

Really, when it happens (and I hope it never does, although logic and common sense seem to dictate otherwise), it will be a stressful enough time as you try to determine what on earth happened and how long it will take to fix. Don't add to that the terrifying realization that you haven't backed up your files in months!

Clients trust Virtual Assistants tremendously with many crucial aspects of their businesses, and losing information and assignments that we have worked on for them would harm them, too. Because it's entirely preventable, there is just no excuse for losing our clients' files. Simply backup regularly.

How often should one backup their files? The answer lies in how much work you would be willing to redo in the event of information loss or corruption. Obviously, monthly is better than never. Weekly would be a big improvement to monthly. But since we are truly dedicated to providing exceptional service, how about daily?

Oh the hassle of it all, you think. Not so! You'll be relieved to find that there are a number of free and reasonably-priced software products that can take virtually all of the inconvenience out of the backup process. In fact, after setting up your preferences and parameters for the backup, it becomes as simple as clicking a button to safely duplicate and store your important files to the destination of your choice. Some applications will also allow you to schedule automatic backups. No hassle there!

So backup often, and don't fear what may happen to that hard drive of yours down the road. You'll have all your files- and your clients' confidence- intact.

Looking for a Good FTP Client?

If you are in neeed of a good FTP client to transfer large files via the internet, you may be surprised to find that there are a whole slew of excellent FTP clients that are free. No kidding! Of course, you could pay $35-$70 dollars for one, but it certainly makes sense to see what is available gratis first.

So just how do you find free software that really works? Visit a website that lists free and free-to-try software and enter the type of program you are looking for in their search field. There are many websites that highlight free software, but my two favorites are www.download.com and www.tucows.com. Both of these sites often feature either their own reviews of the software or the collective reviews of others who have downloaded it to try it for themselves- and sometimes even both!