Backup

The importance of saving your work!
Our purpose in here is to share with you our experience in the gambling field and to tell you what are the best steps to follow. We cannot nag you all the time like your mom until you do the important jobs. For instance, we will tell you why it is important to back up your work, software or records.

First, let me explain what back up data stands for. In the computer world terminology, to back up your data means to copy your data in case your original work is lost. A good idea isn't it? Consider the fact that a lot of things could happen with your hard drive on your central machine. Backup is important and you should always remember to save your files, licenses, address book, content, sales statistics, etc

Now, that we've established that, the next step is to know how you will back up your work. Perhaps you are thinking that back up is actually the same thing with "copy" but that it's not true. The PC lexicon is confusing enough; "Copy" is a PC term for a keyboard/menu function. You maybe thought to make special folders with your work. Those are not real Backups. Take in consideration; let's say… a virus on your computer. Maybe you will need to erase – format in PC lingo, your hard drive. Obviously all your file is lost. Not good!

You need a backup that is self-reliant and independent of your PC. A CD can be one of the easiest methods to save your files and software. On a CD R/W drive you can backup huge amounts of data and they are inexpensive disks. Ones can even be plugged in the back of your computer.

Other types of "recordable media" are: 1.45 MB drives, Zip Drives, and mini disk drives. Some of them are expensive, some have storage capabilities too small to be used efficiently but no matter what you choose, it's clever to pay out the extra money for a better quality.

As a gambling webmaster you must think carefully at all the important information on your computer. You should ask yourself some questions:

1. Do I have backups of the software I installed for my work?
2. Will my restore CD save everything I need?
3. I have the original installation disks, but if someone drops coffee on them. Do I have copies?
4. If my email goes crazy will I be able to access my address book? What about all those confirmation emails from my sponsors?

The accountings of your business are all the referrer Ids, pay out tables and emails for purchases of Gambling traffic. You should always have a proof of your records whether they are a tax form or an IRS auditor. Perhaps you use paid content. Do you have all your licenses saved? When its time to be paid and your sponsor didn't send you a 1099, can you provide for him a backed-up sales record to prove your income? There are also the messenger talks where you made a verbal contract with somebody, what happens to that history if you upgrade to a newer IM program?

Now, I believe that I pointed clearly the importance of backing up your work. This way you save time, money and energy because using backups your hard work will be safe.