New

We are all the same when it comes to a new PC or laptop. Nice and shiny out of the
box, follow the install routine and you are off!

But there are a few things you need to do before even starting to use the PC or laptop.
These include ensuring the equipment is secure before attaching a network cable and
preserving your data.

Internet security
Most new PCs / laptops are provided with 'free' security applications. Actually not so
much free as 30 to 90 day trial versions.

 
Back up applications
Most new equipment is provided with restore disks but no data back up applications.
Ask anyone who has lost data and who has not backed it up if back ups are important!

Just to be clear, the restore disks or applications that are provided with new equipment
is provided to restore the equipment to its original factory default state. Useful if you are
selling your equipment on (see current issues page) but not a solution to lost data!

So it is very important to back up your data files - these are distinct from the application
files and refer to any files created by you in, for example, Excel and Word and include
all photos loaded up etc.

But in order for the data backup process to work, make sure all your data files are saved
to either your user id Documents (Vista) or MyDocuments directory.

So install a back up application or use, if applicable, on line backups provided within your
security software. Some do and some don't but it is becoming more common for
free on line backup applications to be available. Very useful but usually back up space
is limited.

A good free back up application is SyncBack - details are located here! Install one now -
you will not regret it. But once installed, either schedule it to run regularly or perform
a manual back up routine at least once a week.

Existing

The recommendations are simple - follow a regular process for updating and running
security and back up applications.

For the windows update, ensure the PC or laptop is configured to update each day at
a set time when the PC or laptop will be on and connected to the internet. This point is
made as the default update time for all windows based PCs is 3am!! So if it is not switched
on, it will not update.

For security application updates, again schedule these to run when the PC is on and
connected to the internet.

Make sure all security applications are run at least once a week without fail!

How can FPC help?

We can provide the following services:
New PC or laptop installs to set up for first use!
Security application installs and configuration including updates.
Back up applications installation and backup
First line support for SyncBack.