Backing Up flies

Backing-Up your Computer:
February 2010

Computers are machines, and like all machines it isn't IF they will crash, but WHEN. In addition, they can be harmed by outside forces on the Internet and fail. They have become the major information storage device for most of us, so it is imperative that this data is stored in another place in case of a failure. The good news is that computers store data in a digital format that can be copied perfectly without loss of quality, unlike paper copies that degrade each time they are copied. There are several ways to make these digital copies and multiple places to store them. None of the choices are perfect and each has advantages and disadvantages.

1.Copying your data to DVD/CD disks is the simplest method and the necessary software is built in to your computer. It does require that you remember to do it and take the time on a regular basis to do it. It also requires that you store the disks in a safe place, away from your computer in case of a fire or other disaster. Many people store their disks in bank vaults for safe keeping.

2.Storing data on a different computer either at work or on a friend's computer is another way of safe guarding data. This has the same problem of remembering and taking the time to do it and relying on your friend to help. Some users have several computers and use another of their own computers. If you use another computer located in your home, you run the risk of losing your data if there is a fire or other damage to your home.

3.An external hard drive with backup software is a common and easy method for backing up your data. An external drive designed for data backup comes prepackaged with software for easily duplicating your files. Many drives come with a one-click solution, meaning all you need to do is press a button on the front of the drive or your computer to begin an automatic backup, or you can schedule an automatic backup. Prices on external drives have dropped and, with a little searching, you can find a one-terabyte (that's one thousand gigabytes) USB drive for under a hundred dollars. Again, if you keep the external hard drive in your home, you run the risk of losing your data if there is a fire or other damage to your home.

4.Using an online storage service. Companies have been formed that will store your data and back it up automatically. If your computer crashes you can download from their storage once you have fixed your problems. There are monthly fees for this service. It also means you must rely on the storage service staying in business and on their security keeping your data safe.


What to back up
Back up anything you cannot replace easily. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Bank records and other financial information
Digital photographs
Software you purchased and downloaded from the Internet
Music you purchased and downloaded from the Internet
Personal projects
Your e-mail address book
Your Microsoft Outlook calendar
Your Internet Explorer bookmarks