Better backup benefits business

No one realises how much they rely on technology until something goes wrong. If your computer system goes into meltdown, can you recover your data quickly and efficiently? Better still, do you know a company who can?

All Priority IT clients can benefit from our secure managed backup service, which combines the convenience of cloud-based backup with the reliability of onsite backup to ensure your data is safer than ever before. 

The cloud can provide an offsite backup in the event of a disaster, but it’s often less reliable than it should be, and can even clog up your internet service.

What’s more, the data from your cloud backup is held in a data centre in the UK or overseas, and getting your data back quickly when a disaster occurs can be difficult. 

Most cloud services only backup documents and data. Priority IT backup clones your entire server, laptop or desktop. Backups are taken every 15 minutes, and data is encrypted and stored at our Trowbridge office. 

In the event of a disaster, Priority IT can restore your data quickly and efficiently. 
 
What’s more, we keep an encrypted copy of all data at your own office, so if you accidentally delete a file, it’s easy and fast to restore.

Our flexible backup solutions can be tailored to the needs of your business. If you have a second office or home office and prefer to store your data offsite, just ask – we’ll be happy to help.

For more information on Priority IT backup – or any other aspect of our affordable, reliable IT support – call our friendly team on 01225 636000, or visit www.priorityit.co.uk

How to keep your children safe online

The internet has changed the world as we know it. It offers endless opportunities, and has altered the way we communicate forever.

But this ever-growing freedom comes with its own risks, and the need to protect children and young people from inappropriate material online is a concern for parents and carers.

It’s a tricky issue, and something we’re often asked about at Priority IT.

There are numerous devices that connect to the internet, including games consoles, tablets, smartphones, televisions – and, of course, computers.

So, how do you go about making sure your children stay safe on the internet?

Steps to stay safe

The first thing to do is look at your router. Many new routers have parental controls that enable you to specify categories, then block those categories you don’t want your children to have access to.

I recently tested Netgear’s new range of routers with parental controls, and found them to work very well – so much so that I’ve started using one on my own home network, to protect my two girls.

Of course, no filter is perfect. If a website hasn’t been categorised – or has been incorrectly categorised – it may slip through the net.

Check settings on phones and other devices that connect independently of your household router, as these won’t be filtered.

Explain to your children the importance of not adding strangers on messaging services and social networks, as people aren’t always who they appear to be.

Cyberbullying: what it is, and how to avoid it

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place through any sort of technology – from mobile devices to social networks. It involves individuals – sometimes known as trolls – saying abusive or controversial things to provoke a reaction from their victim.

Most social sites enable you to report abuse, and to block individuals who are making negative or hurtful comments. Encourage your children to talk to you if they think they’re being bullied.

There are a number of helpful websites designed to educate children, young people – and parents – on the dangers of the internet, including www.thinkuknow.co.uk and www.saferinternet.org.uk.

For more information on any IT-related matter, call our friendly team on 01225 636000, or visit www.priorityit.co.uk