Introduction

In this informative tutorial, Tony Holowitz, an ACT certified consultant, guides you through the process of automating backups for your ACT database using the ACT Scheduler. Automating backups is crucial to safeguarding your valuable data and ensuring business continuity in case of unexpected events. Follow these steps to set up automated backups and secure your ACT database effortlessly.

Step 1: Accessing the ACT Scheduler

To begin, open your ACT Premium software and navigate to the top left-hand corner of the screen. Take note of the name of your database, as you will need it for the next steps. Then, click on “Tools” and select “ACT Scheduler.”

Step 2: Accessing the ACT Scheduler Icon

After clicking on “ACT Scheduler,” the ACT Scheduler icon will appear on your taskbar. It usually appears as an orange or yellow icon. If you don’t see it immediately, you may need to expand the taskbar to find it.

Step 3: Configuring Backup Tasks

Double-click on the ACT Scheduler icon to open the ACT Scheduler window. Here, you will find three main options: “Database Sync,” “Backup,” and “Maintenance.” For this tutorial, we will focus on configuring the backup task.

Step 4: Editing Backup Tasks

To edit the backup task, click on “Edit Tasks” located in the Backup section. If you have never set up a backup task before, click on “Create Task” to begin the setup process.

Step 5: Configuring Backup Settings

The configuration process will require you to specify where you want the backup file to be saved and the name of the file. You will also need to determine how many backup files to retain. For instance, you can choose to keep the last five backups or more, depending on your available storage space.

Step 6: Scheduling Backups

Select the frequency of your backups by choosing from daily, weekly, or monthly options. For businesses operating Monday through Friday, a daily backup schedule is recommended. Specify the start date and the time of day when your computer will be powered on to ensure successful backups.

Step 7: Email Notifications (Optional)

If you wish to receive email notifications regarding the backup process, you can configure this option within the ACT Scheduler. Please note that this feature requires proper email settings.

Step 8: Completing the Backup Task

Once you have finished configuring the backup settings, click “Finish” to complete the setup process. The ACT Scheduler will now automatically create backups of your ACT database based on the specified schedule.

Important Note: Consider External Backup Solutions

While automated backups using the ACT Scheduler are essential, it’s equally vital to have a secure offsite backup solution. Tony Holowitz recommends using Carbonite, an external backup service, to protect your data in case of computer failure or catastrophic events.

Conclusion

By following these straightforward steps, you can now rest assured knowing that your ACT database is automatically backed up regularly. The ACT Scheduler simplifies the process of safeguarding your critical data, and with an additional external backup service like Carbonite, you can have the ultimate peace of mind for your business’s data security.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on the knowledge available up to the video’s publication date. For the latest updates and features, consult official ACT resources. The views expressed in the video are those of Tony Holowitz and are intended for informational purposes only.