Masonry Magazine February 1994 Page. 54
COMPUTERS
Continued from Page 52
Each successive backup records over the previous backup on the tape. The week is no longer on that tape.
I also recommended that you make a separate backup biweekly or monthly, as necessary, using the "off-site" tapes. By their very name, it is critical to take these tapes to be stored in a safe location away from your daily tapes. Take them home or to a safe deposit box. The purpose of these tapes is to provide catastrophe protection-your system could be stolen and most times any closely stored tapes would be taken as well. Fire, flood, or any other natural type disaster could strike.
Remember how much information is stored in that system. Much of it isn't possible to reproduce. Also, never use these tapes to retrieve data into your system under normal conditions. If you have tried your regular backup tapes, and they don't seem to be working, you need help. Stop short of trying the off-site ones.
Conclusion: I consider a tape backup system a requirement for any computer system used in business. The above mentioned seven tape backup strategy should be considered a minimum number of tapes. Many use a twelve tape monthly set to supplement the five day weekly set. Off-site sets can make the difference between going out of business and surviving disasters. You need to backup-you will be glad you took the time.
JAMES N. MEIDI. graduated Magna Cum laude from the University of of Wisconsin with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He's the founder of J. Meidl Systems, which produces quality computer based solutions for both single and multi-user business environments. He has more than twenty years experience in installing and supporting both hardware and software. He's the developer of "The Ultimate Tool," an estimating and accounting software package developed specifically for masonry contractors. His offices are located at Roswell, Georgia.
Readers are invited to send questions to Meidl, c/o Masonry Magazine, 1550 Spring Road, Oak Brook, II. 60521.
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PYRAMIDS
Continued from Page 45
Cast-in-Place Theory of Pyramid Construction" by Margie Morris, project coordinator with the Institute for Applied Archaeological Sciences, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL.
REPRINTED, with permission, from "CTL Review," published by Construction Technology Laboratories, Skokie, Illinois.
CONVENTION
Continued from Page 48
Save receipts-Most convention expenses are tax deductible (including meals, which are usually 85 percent deductible). Save all receipts to document your deductions. When you don't get a receipt, say for a taxi ride or admission fee, make a diary note of the expense and its purpose.
Get enough rest and exercise-Don't kid yourself almost any change in your routine can be tiring, even stressful. Conventions, which are so full of stimulation and physical activity, can be doubly tiring. Try to maintain as close to a normal work schedule as possible. If your hotel offers exercise opportunities, take them. And be sure to get as close to a good night's sleep as possible each day of the convention.
Make action notes-When you hear a tip that you can put to practical use, or when you promise to follow up on a colleague's request, write yourself an "action note" and place it in your wallet or appointment calendar. Your action notes will become an important part of your post-convention agenda.
See the sights-Conventions give you the opportunity to see places you've never visited before. Hopefully, you've already identified the key sights and tourist attractions at your destination. When you arrive, carefully budget your time for local travel.
Share your knowledge and insights with others-Before you leave for home, make a list of key insights you've gained and resolve to share them with colleagues back in the office. The result: you'll get an even greater return on the time and money you invested in the convention, and you'll build goodwill among your colleagues.
Your convention can bring you personal and professional renewal. Seize the opportunities your convention offers, and it will bring you tremendous benefits long after you return home.
54 MASONRY JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1994