BASS is an acronym for Backup and Storage Solution.  At Computer Problem Busters, we designed the BASS and build them right here.  A BASS has two primary purposes.  The first is to act as a simple file server as explained below.  The second is to perform nightly automatic backups.


WHO NEEDS A BASS?

Any individual, family or business who meets even one of the following criteria will greatly benefit from a BASS:

• Have important documents such as Microsoft Word and/or Excel
• Have financial information such as Quicken or MS-Money
• Have digital photos
• Have a music collection (iTunes or otherwise)
• Have multiple computers and would like to share files easily
• Have videos or other media
• Use a non web-based email such as Outlook and have important emails

HOW DOES A BASS WORK?

BASS runs on the Linux operating system.  This is a very robust operating system used by giants such as Google and Tivo, among many others.  One major benefit is that it is practically impervious to viruses, spyware and other malware, so there is no need for anti-virus protection on your BASS.  Another benefit is that it does not need constant updates such as Windows and Apple operating systems, which makes the BASS much more maintenance-free.  That also contributes to a life expectancy that is considerably longer than that of a "regular" computer.

BASS comes with two hard drives.  The users are able to access one of these drives, and it shows up under My Computer (XP or older) or Computer (Vista or Windows7) or as a standard mount (Mac OS).  On the Windows side of things, the BASS shows up as a drive letter (e.g. Drive Z).  Anything that is saved on that drive is on the BASS even though it "feels" like you're saving it on your local computer.  Every night, the entire contents of that drive are sync'd to the hidden drive - without the user having to lift a finger.  In this way, if the original drive itself crashes, the most you have lost is one day's worth of work.

If there is a large network or even a small one such as a home network sharing an Internet connection, each computer can have the BASS mounted as Drive Z (continuing with the Windows example).  In this way, anything saved from one computer on Drive Z can be accessed by any other computer on it's Drive Z, which is a simple yet effective form of file sharing.

At CPB, we custom-build every BASS.  Each one comes with the features described above.  There are additional options that can be included based on your individual needs.  Please feel free to contact us at 314-878-2878 to discuss what a BASS can do for you.