What would happen to you if the computer you use for everything…

…was suddenly gone?

And when I say gone, I mean gone now, and forever…

After starting realize everything you’ve lost, you’ll panic…

You’ll report it stolen…

You’ll wonder exactly how much information was on it (bank accounts, passwords, social security numbers), and start to think about everything you’ll need to cancel, change or watch (your identity!)

Are you prepared for disaster?

If not, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

First, in today’s world, it’s extremely easy to assure the irreplaceable data on your computer is backed up, securely, over the Internet. This means that if your computer is gone, you can get another one, and restore your data. Most online backup services offer an option to backup hourly.

There are plenty of options for doing this, I’d recommend Norton’s Online Backup 2.0, which is an easy purchase on Amazon.

Second, it’s important to consider encrypting files on your computer, Mac’s have a built-in option called FileVault. With your files encrypted, whoever has your computer will have to enter a password to access your crucial files.

The new Windows 7 has built-in BitLocker Drive Encryption. Complete information on FileVault is available on Apple’s site, and complete information on BitLocker is available on Microsoft’s site.

Here’s an older article on LifeHacker about the differences between FileVault and BitLocker.

Finally, it’s important to consider the amount of time it will take to get back up, operational and ready for business. Some companies have ‘hot spares’ ready for use, which means they have extra notebooks or desktops ready to go.

From a previous post from Charly Caldwell2, Internet Services Group.