PC Organization

Data File Organization - As a network administrator, I interact with dozens of
computer users everyday. One thing that I notice is the lack of data file organization.
Our network is divided into three basic sections. One contains the User folders that
are for the private use of each individual employee. The second holds the Department
folders accessible only to the members of each department. Finally, there are the
Share folders that are accessible to everyone in the network.

Network folders are the equivalent of file cabinets. It is unlikely that anyone
would use a file cabinet by just putting loose documents in it. They would create
folders for each topic, vendor, customers, etc. Then, the documents related to
each are placed in the correct folder. This certainly is sensible yet the same
people setting up this file cabinet have hundreds of loose data files in their User,
Department and Share folders. Each time they need a certain file, scrolling
through this ever-growing list is required instead of just finding the correctly
labeled folder and promptly finding the file. Create folders for all your topics,
customers, etc.
Backup may be a subject that seems out of place in a discussion of time
management. Since organization is a big part of time management and involves
the ability to promptly find valuable information when you need it, backup plays
the role of making certain that information is available. Some companies
purchase fireproof file cabinets for their paper files but are careless with backing
up their computer files. This is a serious error. A good backup strategy should be
a part of every business no matter how small.

Backing up computer data does not have to be an excessively
expensive process. It does require some basic planning. How in-depth a
plan you create will depend on the importance of your data. If you just
have basic data to protect, a simple burn to CD once or twice a week may
be adequate. On the other hand, if you have serious security issues and
irreplaceable information, a solid plan including offsite backup is required.
Safe Deposit Box - A small business can simply rent a low cost safe
deposit box at a bank, and take the backups once a week to make certain
that even a fire does not completely destroy the data needed to continue
the business.

If you enjoy woodworking you may have
the skills to make a good living doing work
that you really like. Bill Benitez's new book
Starting and Operating A Woodworking
Business contains everything you need to
know to get started. Complete how-to
infomation based solely on more than 20
years of first-hand experience. Check it out
now by clicking on the cover at left.