As our lives and businesses become more dependent on our computers the data that resides on them becomes increasingly valuable, and frequently irreplaceable. It is not a matter IF you will lose your data, but rather WHEN. A few simple techniques for backing up your data can save many hours of frustration later.
The two most common approaches to data backup are either individual file copies, or whole drive imaging. Backing up individual files can be done to inexpensive USB “thumb-drives,” other hard drives or burned to CDs. A drive image is a total duplication of everything on your hard drive including both your documents and your Operating System. Having an image can be a major time saver if your system were to take a nose dive as you can restore your entire computer with just a few clicks of a mouse.
External USB hard drives and thumb drives have become the easiest, most cost effective way to back up large quantities of data. You can also simply copy files through Windows Explorer or choose a third party software to handle the backup process. At very least be sure to backup your My Documents folder, Internet Explorer Favorites, E-Mail and financial software data.
The alternative to individual file copying is full disk imaging. Programs like Norton Ghost or Maxtor’s One-Touch system allow you to simply click a button and have an exact duplicate of your hard drive made and saved to another drive. This method requires a second hard drive, but can make system recovery a relatively painless process.
No matter which method you choose you are only as safe as your most recent backup. Be sure to test your backups to make sure they work and the data you need is actually protected. Unfortunately despite our best efforts to make backups, our systems will fail. Be sure you are ready.
Copyright © 2009 The NW Horse Source, LLC
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