Here are some tips to note when viruses, disasters, hardware failures, defective hard drives destroy your valuable data. Below is a checklist of the data that should be stored in the binder.

Internet Settings: DSL, broadband and dial-up settings such as username or Tel. No.

Installed Software: Should include a list of software installed on the computer.

Installation Instructions: Includes, instructions for installing software.

Email Settings: Includes, settings for accessing email via Outlook.

Drivers: Copies of new drivers for hardware components of the computer.

Installation Keys/Registration: listing of registration information necessary to install software.

Downloaded Software: Copy any software that is downloaded.

Updates: List out any updates applied to installed software.

Copies of installation Media: Prepare copies of installation media for software installed

User names: Document User-names for email, net access and websites

Warranty information: Make proof of purchase.

To make the disaster recovery notebook, follow the checklist to gather the information. Make copies of all installation media by burning copies to CDs or copying to floppy disks. Make sure to label all backup installation media with the contents, date and version. Use a three ring binder to store all the printouts, CDs and floppy disks. For more security, create two binders – one to keep with the computer and one store off-site in a secure location.

Backing up your hard drive is increasingly becoming important with the numerous viruses hitting the internet. If you care even a little bit about your data, then you must look into how you can safely back up your data.

Dr Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus, who has written the Dr. Mac's Guide to Backing Up Your Mac says " I've said it a million times and I'll say it again... There are only two kinds of Mac users-those who have lost data and those who will lose data."

If you are a Mac user, then get your copy for a cheap $3.99

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