Trading Thoughts - When Bad Things Happen

I have done a lot of research on trading that has included all sorts of topics including indicators, analysis, risk management, psychology, etc.  Something I have rarely seen addressed though are the actual technical problems involved with trading full-time from home.  Things may be different if you work at an established company because if something does go wrong, there are usually measures in place to fix things quickly or prevent bad things from happening.

When I say bad things, I am referring to the technical aspects of trading not involved with the strategy itself.  I am referring to a plan of action if something breaks or the power goes out.  Below is a list of bad things that could happen:

• Computer hard drive crashes (no cpu for days = no money made in the market)
• Monitors fail
• Mouse breaks
• Virus attacks your computer and freezes the cpu
• Trading software strategy is out of sync with actual account positions
• Microsoft Windows update restarts your computer without your knowledge, shutting down your automated trading system
• Power to your home goes out
• Cable internet connection goes down
• DSL internet connection goes down
• Home burns down or is flooded (off-site backup of strategies)
• Brokerage server connection goes down
• Insane market behavior and flash crashes
• Futures market reaches limit move
• Brokerage company unexpectedly closes or goes bankrupt (ex. MF Global)

I am sure there or many more problems that can occur.  At some point, I need to develop emergency action plans to prevent or account for these scenarios.  I can't imagine how terrible it would be if some of these things occurred and I was not prepared.  Are you prepared?