Checklist for Back-up Files

Companies doing business over the Internet began taking steps to protect computer networks shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

With the U.S. strikes in Afghanistan have come increased fears that the next wave of terrorist attacks might be launched online.

Most individuals and small businesses will be dependent upon computer network administrators to provide the first line of defense. You can help protect your personal computer and its files by:

• Installing on your computer an Internet security program and virus-detection software
• Frequently updating that software along with your browser
• Diligently backing up your personal and business files to a separate disk, if not on a daily basis then on a weekly basis
• Sending and receiving e-mail in plain-text format
• Disabling your automatic download function in your e-mail program
• Opening e-mail attachments from only people you know and trust
• Raising the security level in your browser from its low default settings
• Surfing only trusted and reputable Web sites
• Shutting down your computer before retiring at the night

That said, there is no guarantee that your computer files will remain safe, either from a virus, trojan, worm or system malfunction. So here's what you can do to ensure that when disaster strikes, you can fully restore your computer's files and minimize your loss of time and resources: