Best Tech Computer Services provides computer repair in the Greater New Orleans area.  
Best Tech Computer Services provides computer repair in the Greater New Orleans area.
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Hurricane Season

Hopefully we have all learned the lesson of not being properly prepared for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and have implemented computer safeguards in our office and homes. Below you will find suggestions of steps you need to take in the event of another approaching storm where you may be encouraged or forced to leave the city.

It is a good idea to speak with your computer company before the storm and find out where they are evacuating and to get updated cell phone numbers and email information. It may be worth having them drive or fly over to setup your temporary work space and assist with restoring your data.

   Hurricane

  1. BACKUP YOUR DATA


    1. On-line/Remote Backup
    2. Tape Backup
    3. DVD Copy or Image
    4. External or Removable Hard Drive
    5. Flash Drive, Zip Drive, Etc

  2. TEST YOUR DATA


    1. This means checking your tapes to see if the restore function works correctly
    2. Make sure your DVDs are up to date
    3. Examine created image backups and make sure they do NOT contain errors
    4. Carefully pack external and removable hard drives in bubble wrap and boxes
    5. Verify all On-Line Backups are archiving what you expect

  3. MORE THAN ONE COPY


    1. Make sure that a second copy exists in case your copy is bad or someone else needs to restore the information in your absence
    2. Multiple Backup Methods are recommended such as Tape and On-line Remote Storage
    3. Mail a copy to a college or friend or Company out of state for safe keeping

  4. PROTECT YOUR ASSETS


    1. Turn all of your Desktop/Workstations OFF (even if on surge protectors)
    2. Properly shutdown the server at end of day or weekend. Remember, there will be no power for several days if a storm hits so no sense in taking unnecessary chances.
    3. Make sure all equipment is in an area where it will NOT get wet (away from windows and off the floor)
    4. Secure all Equipment. Remove temptation from theft or vandalism. Place equipment out of public view and under lock and key if possible. Remember, alarms do not work without power.

  5. OFFICE RELOCATION


    1. Have someone designated to pack and move equipment if your company is relocating and setting up shop in a nearby town or state.
    2. Make sure you have proper packing boxes and materials.
    3. Remember, insurance does not cover equipment lost, damaged or stolen by employees.

REMEMBER TO FORWARD YOUR PHONES TO A NEW NUMBER OR AN OUT OF STATE NUMBER. TAKE ORIGINALS OR A COPY OF YOUR COMPANY FLOOD AND PROPERTY INSURANCE WITH YOU. HAVE A PLAN OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES. FIND OUT IF AND WHEN THEY PLAN TO RETURN SO YOU CAN MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

LEAVING TOWN WITH A LAPTOP COMPUTER

  1. WIRELESS CARD

    2. AT&T, Nextel/Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile all now have wireless cards for laptops which let you access the internet anywhere you have cell phone coverage when you pay for this additional service. Have your cards purchased and laptops configured before you leave town. Products include PCMCIA (Credit Card Sized products that fit in the side of your computer) and USB Products that plug into the side or back of the laptop.


  2. POWER INVERTER

    3. Since laptop batteries only last for 3-4 hours and the average evacuation takes 8-16hrs you will need to charge your laptop. You can either purchase a Car Adapter or a Power Inverter. The advantage to a power inverter is that it plugs into your cigarette lighter and powers any item that runs on a standard 110 outlet such as cell phone, portable TV, Mini DVD Player, Laptop, etc. These devices range in watts from 75-500 depending on what you need to power.


  3. SURGE PROTECTOR

    4. Both American Power Conversion and Tripp-lite make Notebook Surge Protectors perfect for traveling at only 4oz. Make sure to check your AC Adapter to see if the end that fits the black box has two prongs or three prongs as this effects the surge protector you need to purchase. These items are priced from $25-$35 and are a life saver.


  4. ENTERTAINMENT

    5. No, I am not joking!! As you will be stuck in a car for long periods of time and may or may not have children with you it is important to have something to do. Bring along some DVD movies, Books on CD/DVD, favorite games, etc. This will help with stress and give everyone something to focus on other than the traffic and crisis at hand.

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