Set it up...back it up...recover it

 

 

I must say one of my happiest moments is getting hold of a new computer or laptop, tablet whatever (you name it) and getting the chance to put it through it's paces. I must say it can be fun to push technology to the extreme to review or just for reference (note, I don't endorse this unless you're experienced and are aware of what you're doing).

 

But, in the excitement of getting set up and playing with our new toy, one thing can get overlooked all too easily. What do we do when it breaks? Can we get our computer back to the beginning? Well yes provided that you have a disk with a Windows installation or a system image from which you can reboot your system.

 

These days, the responsibility is being put more and more on the user to remember to create their backup media and their reboot media in the event the unthinkable happens. Rule 1...get the system image (often called a system recovery disk) created and set up as soon as it is possible to do so. Rule 2...keep it somewhere safe for when you need it. I can guarantee you that many computers end up being replaced or new licenses purchased when they don't need to be because of the loss of recovery media.

 

It's a simple disk to create and most manufacturers put the media creation software into their devices and it will prompt you after a certain time to take action and create your disk. Do NOT ignore this message for too long or you could find yourself with a heavy penalty financially unless you know someone who can bail you out in some legal way (I do not and never will condone pirated software always buy legit or make sure you have access to legit software it always works out better).

 

It is not always the case that recovery media needs to be created from the system when you buy it. Some systems shipped direct from manufacturer have all the required utilities built in to do this from a reserved section of the hard drive and, if you have purchased a Windows disk, this acts as your recovery media but always always double check. If you're being prompted to create media, it'll be because the system doe not have a built in reinstall tool.

 

If you don't know where to start with making this data or if you want to check if it's needed, you would be best to check your manufacturer's documentation supplied with the computer or laptop or with the manufacturer website. They will normally have documentation and FAQs on the subject so do read around but make sure you're checking for support for the correct manufacturer and the correct model type (again this is supplied with the documentation and will most likely be on the system somewhere).

 

If you are having difficulty with this, we can assist you with our out the box range of services to get you fully set up and running and our system recovery options if you need your system restoring. Check out www.worleyitservices.com for more details and as ever, email enquiries@worleyitservices.com if you would like advice at no cost on how to approach these options. But please do not attempt to create backup media or reboot your system unless you are fully confident in your actions and are completely sure it is the best option.

 

For those windows 10 users out there, I have come across a few instances where Windows 10 is unwanted and a rollback is required to the previous operating system. Do not attempt to system restore as this will lock out the hard drive. Windows 10 has a built in utility to downgrade if you wish to revert to your previous operating system within 30 days of upgrading but please, consult with an experienced IT professional first.

 

I do hope you have found this little snippet useful if you are considering purchasing a device in the near future or just for general reference. Comments are welcome so please feel free to leave them at the bottom of this post and we'll get back to you if you have any other questions.

 

Hope to catch you soon

Ash

To upgrade or not?

With every new operating system that comes out, be it Mac, Windows, Android or iOS, the most frequent question is should I upgrade my software? The answer to be quite honest, is complex lets not forget the let down Vista was and the abomination that was called Windows 8.

Many did think upgrading to be the best option and were very quickly upset to find several stability issues. However, when the operating system after came round, these users were more cautious of upgrading to then find they were missing out on the complete package that is Windows 7. I can't speak for Windows 10 yet as it is in it's infancy after Wednesday's release however, so far I've heard positive remarks.

Now, upgrading does have numerous benefits including security improvements, especially those still using XP after it's support has ended. But at the same time, the newer systems that are supported by their vendors receive copious updates to keep these vulnerabilities at bay.

To be quite honest with you, it's personal preference. If there are any reader's still on XP then upgrading to at least Windows 7 is a must. If you're on Windows 7, you don't need to be too worried about upgrading at this time as it will be supported for a good few years to come. However, this depends on if you want to take advantage of the free Windows 10 upgrade offered by Microsoft for the next 12 months. If you're on Windows 8, you have nothing to lose in upgrading and you're systems will be the best to handle a newly released operating system.

As I said its preference over necessity at this point for a few years but Windows 10 will ultimately be the defacto in the coming years when 7 is gone.

If you need some more information, visit our new Windows 10 page for upgrading possibilities and advice at www.worleyitservices.com/Windows-10.aspx or get in touch for independent advice on enquiries@worleyitservices.com.

I'll leave it for you to mull over but that's the best way to look at the question. It is preference over necessity at the current time if you don't use XP.

 

The same applies to Mac and Android although, there's not so much a case of security risk as older versions are supported much longer and updates come out more frequently. More often than not, the system will get upgraded when you install updates.

 

At the very least you should aim to have either the current version of software or the version before. These are the most heavily supported systems and will keep you active for much longer before the money needs to be spent on the next best version.

 

Keep it in mind and I'll leave it to you to discuss and debate.

 

ATB

Ash