Introduction
A great backup strategy is one of the best things you can do to keep your computer data safe. But what exactly is a “backup” and how do we create one? In this guide, I’ll be covering everything you need to know about data backup – from defining it, to explaining why it’s important, to showing you how to create your own backup strategy at home or at work. Let’s get started!
1. Backup to an External Hard Drive
The first thing to do is make sure you have an external hard drive. External hard drives are cheap and easy to use, and they come in all shapes and sizes. The most common type is a portable USB stick that can be connected directly to your computer via USB cable. They’re also portable, so if you want to take your files with you on the go or move them between locations (like home and work), this will be helpful!
However, there are some downsides: because these devices aren’t built into computers like internal drives are–and therefore don’t have any kind of power source built-in–it’s possible for them not only lose data when plugged in but also become corrupted over time from being plugged in too many times without being unplugged first (which happens more often than people think). For this reason it’s best practice not just one backup system but multiple ones; ideally at least two backups per person/organization so there’s always redundancy available should something happen unexpectedly (like losing access due theft).
2. Backup to the Cloud
Cloud storage is a great option if you’re looking to back up your files. It’s a good option for backing up small files, like photos and videos, but it might not be the right choice if you have large amounts of data that need to be stored online.
Cloud-based backups are easy to set up and use–you just install an app on your computer or mobile device, then start backing up! Most cloud services have free tiers that allow you to test out the service before paying anything at all. Some cloud providers offer free trials so you can try before buying as well!
3. Email Backups
Email backups are easy to set up and can be done from any computer. They’re not very secure, but they’re a good way to back up your files if you don’t have much space on your hard drive or don’t want to pay for an online backup service.
Email backups work by sending all of your important files as attachments in emails that get sent straight into an account on another computer. You can store these emails anywhere–on Google Drive or Dropbox, for example–and access them from anywhere in case something happens with your main computer.
4. Online Backups
Online backups are an easy way to keep your data safe, but they’re not always the best option. For example, if you have a lot of important files and you want them backed up regularly–say every day or week–online backups can be expensive. That’s because most online backup services charge by the gigabyte (GB). If your file sizes are small, like text documents or images from social media posts, then this will probably be fine for you; however if you have large files such as videos or audio recordings then your costs may skyrocket!
In addition to these potential cost issues with online backups there are also security concerns: Because these services store their servers in physical locations outside of your home or office building there could potentially be issues with hackers gaining access to those servers through Wi-Fi connections or other methods.
5. OneDrive for Business
Another option is to save your files in the cloud. OneDrive for Business is a cloud-based solution that allows you to store your files in the cloud, and can be accessed from your computer, phone or tablet. You can share files with others and sync them across devices so that they are always up-to-date no matter where you are or what device you’re using.
OneDrive for Business also supports Office 365 users who want to access their documents from other devices such as Macs or iPhones/iPads (but not Android phones).
6. Use a NAS device
A NAS device is a good option if you have a lot of data to backup. The initial cost of these devices can be steep, but they’re also affordable and easy to use. They come with their own operating systems, so installation is not required (although some people may find installing one easier than using the pre-loaded software).
Data backup is very important and these tips will help you keep your data safe!
Data backup is very important, and these tips will help you keep your data safe!
- Why should I back up my files?
If you don’t have a backup plan for when the inevitable happens and your computer crashes, then there’s no telling what could happen. If you have any important information stored on that hard drive–whether it be pictures or videos of family members who have passed away recently (I’m so sorry), or maybe even some documents from work–then those things could be lost forever if the computer breaks down completely.
- How do I make sure that doesn’t happen?
The best way is by creating backups of all the important files on your computer onto external storage devices like thumb drives or DVDs/CDs (you can also use cloud services like Dropbox). This way there will always be copies in case anything happens unexpectedly!
Conclusion
We hope you found these tips helpful and that they will help you keep your data safe!
