Backup Your Computer Data Regularly

Enjoy this tip about backing up your computer files.


Backup Your Computer Data ReBackup Your Computer Data Regularly
By Poppy R Smith

When did you last backup the data on your computer? For too many people the answer is last month, last week, "I don't remember" or never.

If you are an occasional home computer user the consequences of losing the data on your computer (documents, emails, photos) might not be too serious. If you run a business from home the consequences of data loss can be devastating.

Most people just think that data loss won't happen to them. They turn their computer(s) on regularly and magically all their documents and data are there. But imagine how you would feel if something happened to your computer and all your data disappeared.

There are many ways that you could be the victim of data loss.

* Your computer could be stolen. Imagine coming into your office or house and finding that all your computer equipment has been taken. It is unlikely that your computer will ever been returned to you. You will have the stress and hassle of replacing the computer. Will you still have copies of all your invoices, client emails, photos and documents ready to be reinstated as soon as your new computer arrived? For too many people the answer is no.

* Your computer's hard drive could fail. If you are lucky a computer expert might be able to recover your data, but what would you do in the interim if you did not have backup copies? If luck wasn't on your side all the data on the hard drive could be lost.

* A power surge could destroy your computer's motherboard. This happens more often than many people think. After every thunderstorm your local computer repair shop will have a steady stream of computers being brought in for repair. The hard drive might not be affected, but you would have to wait for the technician to remove the hard drive and copy the data. If the hard drive was also damaged all your precious data will be irretrievable. Do you have backup copies that you can use to reinstate your data when your new computer arrives?

* We live in a world where global warming seems to mean an increasing number of natural disasters. High winds can destroy your office in the chalet at the end of your garden, swollen rivers can swamp ground floor offices in minutes. When you have been the victim of such an event you are in shock. When the shock wears off you don't want the added heartache of finding that all your precious data has gone.

What does "Backup" mean? Simply put it means having another copy of your data that is not on the hard drive of your computer. Many people use an external hard drive, connected to the computer. This is an easy way to run regular backups to protect yourself from a failure of your computer. But an external hard drive alone won't protect you from some of the scenarios above. It is sensible to have at least two backup copies, one of which is kept away from the main computer. If you run a business in an office, take a backup copy of your data home with you, or use an online backup service.

I am an IT teacher and troubleshooter. I work with many small business owners. I can't overstress the importance of regular backups. You can find lots more information on why you should backup your computer data and how at http://www.it-teacher.co.uk/Importance_of_Backups.html

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