Inadequate Backup Advice from Microsoft

By James Gaskin, NetworkWorld.com, 10/14/04

I've had plenty of comment back from readers concerning Microsoft's inability to address proper backup techniques within the restrictions of their EULA (End User License Agreement). The columns are here and here.

In a Microsoft e-mail I received today aimed at users, they offered a link to an article titled Backup Your Computer Files and offered "surefire ways" to accomplish this. I jumped on that link like a politician after a compaign donation.

Alas, same old crap that's next to worthless. Backup your operating system and applications? No need, because, "can be reinstalled from the original CDs you purchased."

Technically, that's true. If you're an occasional computer user with no urgency to your computer usage, then loading the operating system and applications by hand through your CD-ROM won't ruin your day. Neither will the hours spent trying to configure your "new" system, download patches, apply patches, reboot, apply patches, reboot, etc. etc. etc.

If you rely on your PC or use it for business, and the Microsoft article says the information is aimed at those very people, following this advice will absolutely drive you nuts and cost you money. People with real lives can't follow those rules, and Microsoft refuses to accept their responsibility to support their users properly.

Need more help than the two columns mentioned? Check out my GaskinGuides site and locate yourself on the TechMatrix. You will find information geared to people who actually need to use their PC rather than re-install applications all day long after Windows craters once again.

James

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