Here are a few suggestions:

• If you work on a network, ensure the files in your Lone Wolf DATA folder on the network drive are included in your nightly backup. For further information, consult your network administrator.
• If you work on a standalone system, you can back up your files to an external device. You'll need to equip your computer with the necessary hardware and software, but it's relatively inexpensive and well worth the investment.

Performing reliable daily backups is one of the most important preventive maintenance steps in order to avoid the loss of important data. Even the most dependable computer has mechanical parts, and is capable of system failure eventually. Malicious viruses can also cause system failure and result in loss of data.

• Back up your files daily.  Your Realty Management System data is installed in one folder. Usually C:\LONEWOLF\DATA on the workstation it was installed on.
• As an added precaution, in case of fire or theft, one current backup copy should be kept at an off-site location. If you backup overnight, take the copy from the night before with you when you go home.

There are several device/media options to choose from. Generally the determining factor for what type to use is your required storage capacity. The following list demonstrates the most common backup methods available, and the benefits for each solution.

USB Key/Flash or Thumb Drive 64MB-64GB – inexpensive cost – various levels of storage capacity

• highly compatible via USB port
• approximate 10 year data retention
• very compact

CD-RW 650MB - inexpensive hardware cost - compatibility issue with other CD-RW drives

• ability to access from Windows Explorer (must be formatted as CD-RW)

DVD-RW 4.7GB - high storage capacity - higher hardware cost

• ability to access from Windows Explorer - compatibility issue with other DVD-RW drives

Tape drives (Data cart.) 2GB - 20GB+ - high storage capacity - high media cost

• compatibility issue with other tape drives
• slow restore access speed
• cannot access from Windows Explorer to copy, or move files, etc.

Check with your network or IT administrator to ensure your backups are being done correctly. If you are a client with your program hosted on our server, our network administrators do your backups for you.