Our Top-Rated Best Computer Backup and Cloud File Access Cloud Tools for Home Users and Businesses Alike!
The best data backup software 2022. We began testing IDrive early on way back in 2002. Backup tools were really beginning to blossom, faster than we could keep up on reviewing, analyzing, testing, documenting, and publishing. Well today is no different, there are now literally hundreds of backup / restoration application programs available.
In this article, we’re going to review IDrive. I like IDrive for the price point and the array of advanced features it offers. It is relatively easy to Install, configure and mange. IDrive offers “In Cloud”, “Local On Premise/Your External Drive” and complete “System Image” configurations. One can back up several types of Data from PC / Mac systems to SQL databases, WordPress websites and any cloud storage provider data. E.g. Google Drive, Office365 and other cloud apps.
All of your backup data is under one web console. Very handy regardless of the number of devices, users, or data size.
Drive® e2 is a new addon with fast, reliable, and affordable object storage solution with S3 API compatibility. It is an ideal solution for a second copy in the cloud, off-site disaster recovery, an active and accessible data archive, or long-term storage. While it is supports what most Amazon S3 API’s it does not support the following:
Bucket specific CORS (By default, CORS is enabled in all the buckets)
BucketAnalytics, BucketMetrics, BucketLogging
BucketRequestPayment
As an Authorized Reseller we have been recommending, configuring, and managing IDrive online backup data protection for over 8 years now. We know firsthand how IDrive is rock solid backup and ransom-ware protection. A trustworthy online backup and sync solution for home users, nomad workers small businesses and enterprise workloads.
A recent Forrester report suggested that businesses are not protecting their computers and remote offices sufficiently. The lack of no backup or external drive scenario is prone to a lot of catastrophes such as loss due to theft or just plain data loss. Always use the 3to1 rule at a minimum for your data backup scenarios.
IDrive’s commitment to enhance user experience improves on a regular basis. Every feature of IDrive has been considered keeping in mind the view that IDrive backups should be simple and a ‘no-brainer’.
Backups, once scheduled, commence automatically and you can monitor the status of backups via an online dashboard, notifications on your devices or e-mail notifications. The backup and sync display full and accurate progress reporting. You are notified upon successful completion of operations.
Backup and Restore:
PC’s
Mac’s
Servers
Mobile Android and iOS
Multiple Devices
Websites
WordPress via Updraft Plus Plugin.
Most cloud applications data.
IDrive is ‘software as a service’ cloud data backup and offers complete system image backups.
IDrive is available as a downloadable desktop client utility. Backup PC’s, Mac, Servers, MS SQL, MS Exchange, VMware, Hyper-V, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Oracle, and Linux.
I can tell you firsthand IDrive backup and most importantly restores files with excellent results. Many backup offerings appear to backup, however restoring files is a much different scenario.
If you suffer a system crashes or ransomware attack, just go to your account on IDrive where your files are there for reading, downloading or restoring and IDrive is FAST! Plus you can get IDrive Express™ service to securely ship large amounts of data to the IDrive backup center or to you in the event of a disaster and needing a large data restore.
For further details on IDrive‘s compatibility with your operating platform for use within your organization, call us or visit IDrive with the link below for $90% off the 1st year! :
Need help? I can assist via a remote support session and telephone call. (424) 532-1633
Need enterprise grade backup for your servers and Virtual Machines ? IDrive can do that at a fraction of the cost of so-called MSP backup tools.
Get Started with IDrive Online Backup and sign up for an IDrive account online.
Schedule backups of your data periodically or enable immediate backup.
Get the work done for you and make sure it is set up right with a South Bay Computer Solutions training overview session. We offer 1 yr 5TB backup and remote installation, configuration and training starting at $179 !
Why Choose IDrive Online Backup?
5 GB Free For Life – Larger accounts start at 2 TB cloud storage, plus 2TB sync space. You can back up an unlimited number of devices into one account.
Military Grade Security – We use 256-bit AES encryption with an optional private key.
Sub-accounts – Create unlimited sub-accounts within your storage space and monitor via a centralized administrator console.
Server And Database Backup – Backup SQL, Exchange, Hyper-V, SharePoint, Oracle, Office 365 Mailbox, VMware, and Linux servers.
IDrive® Thin Client – Deploy the IDrive® Thin Client application on your computers with minimal configuration and enable data backup via the web.
Manage Computers – Manage data backups, restores, application settings, etc., on your distant computers via a web-based console.
IDrive ExpressTM – Quickly backup and restore data via physical shipment of the Express device. The service is free 3X a year for business users.
Single Sign-On – Configure your IDrive® Enterprise account for SSO with any IdP of your choice and enable hassle-free sign-ins.
Business Compliance – Assistance to comply with regulations like HIPAA, SOX, GLBA, GDPR, and SEC/FINRA
Need help? We can assist via a remote support session and telephone call.
Google has announced a major change for website ranking on Google.
“Helpful Content Update” should start rolling out this week. It could be as big a shakeup as the Penguin update launched 10 years ago
The Google ranking update is reportedly to target content “written for the purpose of ranking in search engines that do not help or inform people.” It is designed to help make sure that unoriginal, low-quality content doesn’t rank highly in Google Search.
Why is this important ? If you have or are responsible for a website or web content and use syndicated feeds, a business vertical template or product brochure content you’ll want to word craft your content up a bit. Creating unique content is what we are after here.
So if you see traffic drop over the next few weeks the “Helpful Content Update” might be the reason. Recommendations are checking your content now and brushing it up before the “Helpful Content Update” rollout in order to help your website from being affected and possibly losing ranking.
The good news is if you are creating unique and insightful content this “Helpful Content Update” could HELP your rankings by weeding out content created just for search engine ranking with no real intrinsic value. The update is also designed to help true experts in a particular vertical / field to rank better than non-experts.
If you need help creating, updating or re-crafting your website content to help with this Google “Helpful Content Update”, I can help. Typical rates are$75 per hour for content creation or we can create a fixed project price.
Back to school laptop deals are a good time to pickup a new laptop at great prices.
Due to Laptops flexibility, easy access and mobility, laptops are the hot ticket for work at home and back to school. Dell XPS is rated the BEST overall Laptop.
Laptops use less power consumption, offer wired or wireless and quick external display connections using compact docking stations.
Windows 11 and Chromebooks are both popular choices. Chromebooks are great in a “Cloud” centric world. If all your work is in the cloud “Chromebooks” are great choice if you don’t need local Microsoft Windows programs. Get exclusive Chromebooks only available at the Acer Store.
Many schools and businesses require Windows Professional for compatibility and security in their environment and on their networks. Windows is still the best experience for Microsoft Office, content creators and legacy Window apps. Be sure you choose a Windows Pro OS if required.
If you are a creative or just like a better display be sure to get a laptop with powerful graphics like offered in Dell XPS and Precision Laptops at great “Back to School” deals.
A Firewall provides protection at the perimeter of your network. Most firewalls installed by your ISP or a junior technician are “dumb” firewalls. They are simply configured with some local rules and then left to become outdated as soon as they are installed. Furthermore power outages and field maintenance from the ISP’s e.g. Charter Cable often “wipe” or “reset” the firewall with no warning to you leaving you unprotected. A “Managed Firewall” is regularly monitored, maintained and administered. Firewalls are not a point-and-click or set-it-and-forget-it technology. Like most edge devices these days, firewalls are typically installed “on-site” or configured in the “cloud” and managed via “Remote Support”. ”
Managed Firewalls” allow live definitions to be updated which help protect against constantly changing threats. Rules can be set in place to block certain websites and social network activity. Cloud Firewalls are virtual firewalls with all communications run through the cloud security provider,
Managed firewalls typically provide for VLAN configurations which are Virtual Local Area Network keeping the VLAN seperate from the rest of the network
Make Managed Firewall your first line of defense.
Firewalls are a key component in safeguarding your business from malicious threats. Managed firewalls protect not only your “edge” devices, but your “cloud” perimeter “SaaS” and “Storage” areas.
Cloud based firewalls need no onsite hardware and help protect internet connected devices anywhere on the internet.
Be on the look out for “Password Set to Expire” phishing emails.
Are password reset emails trustworthy? Microsoft365 / Office365 customers, beware of this recent email phishing attack.
The email states your Microsoft365 email password is set to expire. At first glance, it appears to be a typical Microsoft simple text email. Examining the “from” address, however, we can see it is from a non-Microsoft web “spoofed” email address. Further examination into the header reveals a fake address.
Email “spoofing” is a term where one identifies as another by falsifying the email address posing as a legitimate company, but not the actual company.
Phishing is a type of social engineering where an attacker sends a fraudulent (e.g., spoofed, fake, or otherwise deceptive) message designed to trick a person into revealing sensitive information to the attacker or to deploy malicious software on the victim’s infrastructure like ransomware.
The purpose of such phishing attacks can be twofold.
Firstly, is to retrieve your password. A bot on the other end will then immediately attempt to access the targeted Microsoft365 account where the attacker freely downloads all your M365 information. In some cases, the password is changed so you no longer have access.
Secondly, it would be to execute a virus or ransomware on your computer.
Always review the “from” the address before opening any email, selecting any link or opening attachments. Also, if you have a third-party antivirus program like eset, right-click on the attachment and “SCAN” with your antivirus to be sure it is free of malicious content.
A good rule of thumb is, even if you think it might be a legitimate request, do NOT click the link, instead go directly to the account in question through a web browser. If there is truly such a request, typically there will be a notification upon login to the account.
Also, if the account password requires a reset, the website will require a reset upon access.
If you or someone you know has a Google GMAIL account you may want to give this a quick read. “How do I get my Google gmail 8 Digit Backup Code?”
Recently, I’ve had a few people contact me who have had their mobile device/phone lost or stolen.
The finder or perpetrator accesses the device due to a weak or no password. This now bad actor has access to the device and begins changing the rightful owner’s Gmail account password, so the rightful account holder no longer has Gmail access. They then begin fraudulently charging on credit cards or withdrawing funds from the owner’s bank accounts.From this point, the rightful owner is not able to gain access to their device or sensitive accounts from even another device or PC.
Even with “Two Factor” authentication, which should always be enabled when possible, the perpetrator was able to access sensitive important accounts, as the “Two Factor” authenticator app is on the phone itself, thus sending the “keys” to unlock the door to the “Multi-Factor” authentication accounts.
To make things even more troublesome, some users had screenshots of photos and/or lists of passwords, bank accounts, credit cards, driver’s license and other important information on the phone itself unprotected by further security methods.This is not uncommon, as most of the people I’ve surveyed do not have these codes or even know they exist.
So, What is a Gmail 8-digit backup code? Why should I retrieve this Google eight-digit code immediately?
A Gmail 8-digit backup code is a unique string of numbers to recover a g-mail account.
You should retrieve the Google eight-digit code immediately before your account is compromised, you lose your mobile device or password.
*These steps are subject to change as cloud providers often change the User Interface Portal frequently.
Android – Create & find a set of backup codes
Create & find a set of backup codes
To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app.
Tap Google and then Manage your Google Account.
At the top, tap Security.
Under “Signing in to Google,” tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
Under “Backup codes,” tap Continue .
From here, you can:
Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.
Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, tap Refresh .
Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete Delete.
Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes .
Print your backup codes: Tap Print .
Tips: If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, tap Refresh .
When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.
To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.
Go to your Google Account.
On the left, click Security.
Under “Signing in to Google,” click 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
Under “Backup codes,” click Continue,
From here you can:
Get backup codes: To add backup codes, click Get backup codes.
Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, click Refresh.
Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, click Delete .
Download your backup codes: Click Download Codes.
Print your backup codes: Click Print.
Tips:
If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, click Refresh.
When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.
Find your lost backup code.
Search your computer for: “backup-codes-username.txt with your username. For example, if your username is google123, search for: Backup-codes-google123.txt. You’ll need the codes downloaded to your computer for this to work.
Sign in with a backup code
Find your backup codes.
Sign in to your Google Account.
Click Try another way.
Click Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.
Enter one of your unused backup codes.
Tip: As each code can be used only once, you might want to mark the code as used.
iPhone & iPad – Create & find a set of backup codes
Create & find a set of backup codes
To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Gmail app -> Tap Menu
Settings -> your account name
Manage your Google Account. If you don’t use Gmail, go to myaccount.google.com.
At the top, tap Security.
Under “Signing in to Google,” tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
Under “Backup codes,” tap Continue.
From here you can:
Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.
Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, tap Refresh.
Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete
Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes.
Print your backup codes: Tap Print
Tips:
If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, tap Refresh.
When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.
Find your lost backup code
Search your iOS device for: Backup-codes-username.txt with your username. For example, if your username is google123, search for: Backup-codes-google123.txt. You’ll need the codes downloaded to the device for this to work.
Sign in with a backup code
Find your backup codes.
Sign in to your Google Account.
Tap Try another way.
Tap Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.
Enter one of your unused backup codes.
Tip: As each code can be used only once, you might want to mark the code as used.
“FBI now Recommends putting tape over your webcam / mobile camera”; I’ve recommended for sometime now, covering device webcam lens when not in use to help thwart unauthorized viewing.
Many are often in disbelief. They can’t really do that, can they? Or your just paranoid cause your a geek. “I don’t care if someone hacks my web cam.” It’s no longer a possible theory. Protect yourself. Pick up a LIGHT DIMS KIT – only $5.99 for 100 DIM stickers. Avoid the tacky look and gummy mess of roll tape. These little stickers do the job, easy removal and reusable. Share with your friends and family. Also, great for those never ending annoying flashing LEDs. Often those what were cool lights on electronic can become annoying, These help with that, quick, easy, non-permanent and inexpensive.
Dark Mode is a feature which inverses your device display so the bright white background becomes dark and the text light. Changing the contrast to be easier on the eyes by reducing the amount of harmful blue light. Studies have shown blue light is attributed to keeping one awake contributing to higher rates of insomnia among computer and mobile users.
There are a few ways to achieve this : In the OS like MacOS, Windows10 or Chrome, an App like YouTube, Microsoft Office, etc or as an Add-On like in the Chrome or Firefox browsers.
In the App eg. Microsoft Office has a “Dark Mode” in the “Options” section, under “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” ; Office Theme: “DARK GRAY”. There is also Black and whit, etc. Windows 10 has this capability under the “Display Options” setting, and just release MacOS. The Chrome browser achieves this with an ADD-ON.
DarkMode is a great way to relax your eyes and is particularly useful in bright sunlight or night time. Check it Out you might prefer these mode vs the brigh white background, .
Mobile productivity,powered by two screens | Flexibility to do more with multiple modes | The best of Microsoft 365,together with Android™ apps | Original design,created by Surface
Surface innovation comes to a dual-screen mobile device, featuring the best of Microsoft 365, every Android app in the Google Play store, phone calls, and more.
The magic of a 360° hinge and two screens
Introducing revolutionary new ways to use a mobile device thanks to an innovative 360° hinge, two screens, and apps that seamlessly work together. Do one better.
Open two apps side-by-side, so you can now plan your hike andpull up directions at the same time.
Pair any two apps and launch simultaneously, each on a full screen,for a completely custom experience.
Easily compose an email by typing on the bottom screen keyboard,while viewing your draft on the top display.
Drag ingredients from a new recipe from one screen directly to your To Do list on the other for an instant shopping list.
Scroll through your photo library on one screen, while viewing your selection on the other.
All-day batterylife
Lasting power throughout your day. And, when you do need a boost, go from low to full with Fast Charging.3
More pixels in your pocket
Dual, high-resolution PixelSense™ Fusion Displays open to 8.1″ for more space toget things done.
See and do more with widescreens
When opened, Surface signature 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for reading, streaming,and staying productive.
Write and sketch on screen
Take notes and draw across apps on Surface Duo with thin,light Surface Slim Pen.**
Mobile typing,reimagined
Stay productive with the adaptive keyboard, optimized for every mode.
Secured,one-step sign-in
Surface Duo features a built-in fingerprint reader for fast,secured access.
Your PC loves Surface Duo, too
With the Your Phone app and your Windows 10 PC, you get instant access to everything you love on your phone, right on your computer.4
Never miss a beat
Complete your Surface Duo experience and fuel your productivity with Surface Earbuds.**
A Managed Firewall provides protection for devices at the perimeter (local in your home or office) and/or even on your cloud network. These devices are also commonly referred to as endpoints. Most firewalls installed by your ISP or a junior technician are static or “dumb” firewalls. They provide no real time monitoring or updating as needed to anticipate the latest “in the wild” threats. They are simply configured with some local rules and then left to become outdated as soon as they are installed. Furthermore power outages and field maintenance from your cable company or internet provider often “wipe” or “reset” the firewall with no warning to you leaving you unprotected.
A “Managed Firewall” is regularly monitored, patched and maintained. Firewalls are not a point-and-click or set-it-and-forget-it technology. Like most edge devices these days, firewalls are typically installed “on-site” , however the latest trend is to use configured in the “cloud” and managed via “Remote Support” managed Firewalls.
Managed Firewall Schema
Managed Firewalls” allow live security definitions to be updated which help protect against constantly changing threats. Rules can be set in place to block certain websites and social network activity. Cloud Firewalls are virtual firewalls with all communications run through the cloud security provider.
Managed firewalls typically provide for VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configurations which keep segments of the LAN separate from the rest of the network. For example security cameras and iOT devices are more easily hacked and there is no need for most employees to have access or even know these devices exist. So they are segregated into their own VLAN. VLAN’s can also be used to segment departments / business units like accounting, engineering, staff etc, as separate networks altogether.
Make a Virtual Managed Firewall your first line of defense.
SBCS recommends supports several perimeter and cloud manged firewall systems including Cisco umbrella, SonicWall, Untangle, Uplevel, O365 (yes, O365 has Cloud firewall capability.)
Protect your Office, Cloud and Remote Workers with a Virtual Firewall like the low Cost High Functioning Untangle. – See Untangle Fire Wall Data Sheet.
Drawing the line that separates internal and external networks, Firewall filters traffic based on IP address, protocol and port, which enables administrators to designate which systems and services (HTTP, FTP, etc.) are publicly available.
Firewall can be run as a transparent bridge to complement a pre-existing firewall and allows you to control inbound and/or outbound access to specific IPs and ports.
Firewalls are a key component in safeguarding your business from malicious threats. Managed firewalls protect not only your “edge” devices, but your “cloud” perimeter “SaaS” and “Storage” areas.
Contact Us if you would like help getting a Managed Fire Wall to protect your network.
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What is Office 365?
Transform your Office into a Productivity Machine!
At its heart is Office itself—the familiar Office applications businesses use everyday—now offered as a cloud service, so it’s always up to date. But Office 365 is also so much more. It’s about bringing enterprise-grade services to organizations of all sizes, from online meetings to sharing documents to business-class email.
Dark Mode is a feature which inverses your device display so the bright white background becomes dark and the text light. Changing the contrast to be easier on the eyes by reducing the amount of harmful blue light. Studies have shown blue light is attributed to keeping one awake contributing to higher rates of insomnia among computer and mobile users.
