Questions?

If you’ve come to this site for the first time, you probably have some questions about backing up. If you were expecting the old FileSlinger™ website, you’re probably wondering where things have gone.

If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, you can always e-mail me at sallie [at] fileslinger [dot] com.

How Should I Back Up?

I can’t really answer that question without knowing what kind of computers you use and what kind of data you need to protect. For most SOHO users, a combination of online and offline backup works well. If you have one computer, get an external hard drive. If you have a network of computers, get a NAS (network attached storage drive).

How Often Do I Need to Back Up?

At least once a week, but if you rely on your computer for business and you create new data every day, I’d say you should back up daily, or even more often. (There are programs that will back up your files every time they change.)

Can You Set Up My Backup System?

These days, I only do tech support work for longstanding clients, old friends, and family members. But if you send me an e-mail, I can give you a few suggestions. If you want someone to set up and manage your backups, particularly if you have a business with multiple computers, try Bay Area Techies.

What the Heck Is a FileSlinger?

During my transition from academic to consultant, my first business was freelance clerical work and business support services. Someone described it as “Like a gunslinger, but for files,” and the FileSlinger was born.

What’s With the Hat?

It’s my theater background. Once I develop a business persona, I need props and costumes. And one of the most frequently asked questions about the previous FileSlinger™ website was “Is that really you in the hat?” It really is, though that photo dates to 2003, and I should have a new one taken soon.

So Do You Actually Sling Files?

Only in the sense of transferring them from one drive to another while making backups. I don’t really mind doing administrative work, but there are things I enjoy more and can get paid better for doing.

But I Need Someone to Do Clerical Work!

Try Nina Feldman Connections. Nina can connect you with a virtual or in-person assistant to handle all kinds of services. If you tell her I sent you, I get a finder’s fee.

Someone Told Me You Do Trademark Research

Not anymore. There was only so much of that I could take. If you want to register a trademark, try Jamie at Just Trademarks.

So What Do You Do, Then?

My two businesses are the Author-izer (writing, editing, ghostwriting, and consulting about publishing) and the Podcast Asylum (blogging, podcasting, and social media consulting). I met my first computer when I was 12, but I started writing when I was 4.