You will never fully realize why you must back up your computer data until your hard drive fails. Usually, people only tend to lose data once. This is when most people are inclined to set-up a smart back-up system! Backing up your individual data is your main priority. This includes data like photographs, home videos, music, papers and presentations etc. When your hard drive fails (and they all fail in the end) you will probably want to make sure that your family pictures are safe. You almost certainly won't be so devastated at the loss of the old applications – they can always be bought again. Most backup programs make what is known as a 'mirror image' or 'clone' of the hard drive and retain all of its information. But some them, like Dropbox will not be automated and store pictures and videos etc. Just be sure to.
1.Backing up into the cloud or online back-up:
Firstly, it is essential that a back up storage device is kept as far away from your PC. It is not much use if it gets damaged in a fire or stolen in a burglary. I recommend both, but then I would as I am always paranoid. However, if I had to select one, I would choose to back up into the internet service. The servers which you back up onto are also backed up! Therefore there will be no chance of ever losing your data. Also, it is simple to set-up an automated back-up. So, you don't have to remember to perform anything and so the backup data is always up to date.
Really, the only drawback of backing up to the cloud or online, is the speed. It may be very slow. The truth is, the initial back-up could age you significantly. It is better to set it to back up over night when you're not at the computer. You can work while the back-up takes place but it can suck the life out of your bandwidth. Generally, there will be monthly charge for an internet backup service. This ranges from £3 per month to £10 monthly.
2. Backing up to an external hard drive.
If you have read any of my other articles, you will probably know the way I bang on about networked storage devices and how easy they make your life. This will likely enable you to set up an automatic back-up scheduler which is very much like the online backup services. If you only have a non networked external drive, you will have keep in mind to back up your data. You should back up every day. But to be honest, this isn't really very realistic if you're doing it yourself. Try to get in to a routine of doing it every Friday before you go home or finish work. Or Saturday morning while watching Saturday Kitchen!
Most external drives arrive with backup software. Have a play with it. In case you do not like I recommend:
1.Genie Backup Manager
2.DT Utilities PC Backup
3.NovaBACKUP
4.Acronis True Image
5.NTI Backup Now
6.Acronis Backup & Recovery
7.Norton Ghost
8.PowerBackup
9.TurboBackup
10.Dmailer Backup
11.Argentum Backup
They cost anywhere from £15 to £50. Whether online or using an external hard drive, all the software and services listed know which files and folders will want to be backed up and for the most part, they only back up files that have been created or changed since the last backup.
3. Finally.
Sleep easy knowing that your data is safe and sound.
Author Resource:
This article does not cover everything, but hopefully I have given you an insight in to what is involved. There are plenty of ebooks and such stuff on the internet. I always go to a company called Computer Repair London . They do not just repair computer systems, they also provide IT support as well and they are always helpfull if you get stuck on anything.
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