There are many different data destruction methods out there, but one must first consider why and how they want this data destroyed. If you are reselling a computer, you will probably want to wipe the hard drive clean (and NO, formatting a hard drive will NOT wipe all, actually almost no data at all, from the storage device), and reinstall the OS to sell the computer. If you are a business, you will probably want to destroy the data to reuse the drive, or resell the drive. Large corporations and Government agencies, however, prefer to wipe the data (8x) from the drives, and then physically destroy the hard drive, and finally incinerating the hard drive’s contents.

Divorces: This is by far our largest request for both recovery and destruction. A person who is going through a divorce needs to either cover his/her tracks, or bring evidence to light. Either way, destruction comes in many shapes and sizes, as does data recovery.

CompuTechs+ of Chicago uses the most advanced DoD (Department of Defense) standards for data destruction. CompuTechs+ of Chicago also supports emergency destruction, in case you need to destroy data manually, and fast. Depending on your circumstance, we have many different data destruction options available. The destruction method CompuTechs+ wipes the drive clean 8x (per destruction), with a random array of values. This means that your data is gone for good. We also support physical damage & destruction as well as incineration.

Unfortunately, when our computer repair technicians here in Chicago hear those words, it’s probably too late & a data recovery attempt must be made on the hard drive. So how do you perform an easy, automated data backup? It’s simple and best of all: FREE. Now, there is no excuse for not having backed up your data because it’s Chicago’s free automatic data recovery service.

CompuTechs+ of Chicago recommends Mozy remote data backups for a few reasons:

1. It’s safe. Your data is encrypted using 448-bit Blowfish encryption. (i.e. Your data is kept very private, only you will be able to view/restore it)
2. It’s remote. So your data is protected in case of a catastrophe. External hard drives are great, but what happens when a fire, flood, or accidental drop occurs? Chicago can be crazy sometimes.
3. It’s free. Do I really need to explain this? Free as in ‘no credit-card needed’ free.  The only ‘catch’ is that you are limited to 2GB of data backup, which is sufficient for a lot of the crucial items (such as documents, spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations and the like). For example, if you backed up only average-sized Microsoft Word Documents, lets say 50KB each, your free 2GB data backup would be able to store over 40,000 documents!
4. Automatic or Scheduled Data Backups: Have your backups performed while the computer is idle, or schedule a convenient time as well.
5. You decide what is backed up.  Backup your Desktop, My Documents, or everything. You make the call.

Lets start the CompuTechs+ of Chicago auto-data-backup process. What kind of computer do you have? Click below:

PC Data BackupsApple Data Backups

Now, before we begin, you must make a decision. If you need more than 2GB of backup space, no worries. Mozy Home Edition as well, and it’s CHEAP. How much? $5 per month. That’s it for Unlimited Data Backups. Please keep in mind that while this service is unlimited, the backup will be limited by your high-speed internet connection’s upload speed. CompuTechs+ would recommend that you backup everything except for downloaded movies (not that you would do a thing like that, now would you?). Click on your preferred Mozy version, free or home:

    

After signing up for your account and installing the software, setup is quite simple. Just select the data that you would like to backup, and then start enjoying your peace of mind, for free.

Many people avoid common maintenance of their computers, which slows down performance and decreases security.

1. Data Backup
2. Defragmentation (unecessary if you are using Vista or an SSD, or Solid State Drive)
3. CCleaner
4. Spybot Search & Destroy
5. AVG AntiVirus
6. Windows Update
7. Defragment Again! (after installing Windows Updates – Defragmentation isn’t necessary, once every two months should do fine)
8. Physical Appearance & Dust
9. RAM Upgrades

All of these are important to your computer or laptop’s health, but most of all: your sanity. Many people avoid common maintenance of their computers, which slows down performance and decreases security. All the computer software packages that we have listed are free, but we always recommend purchasing the full-license if you decide that you like the software (namely AVG & Spybot). It not only helps support the computer software developers provide you with better updates in the future, but the paid versions protect you better.