Backup Your Data
It is important to establish a backup strategy before choosing the backup solution that is right for you. Whether it's a short term or long term solution, there are several factors in formulating your Backup Strategy:
Determine the Frequency of your Backups
Most backup software on the market offers an automated scheduling option. Depending on how often you use your PC, scheduling a reoccurring backup is the only way to provide peace of mind. At work, daily file-by-file backups are automatically scheduled for every night at 3AM. At home, I use drive imaging software to backup my entire hard drive once a week.
Choose your Backup Method
The best media type for your backups is dependant upon how much data you wish to backup, how often your backups are scheduled, and the shelf life of the medium.
For smaller file-by-file backups (consisting of the most critical files), backing up to a USB memory drive is best. Also known as flash memory, thumb drives, USB flash drives, Compact Flash, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Secure Digital cards, etc., These devices offer excellent portability and ease-of-use. The USB drive is also rewritable, fast, virtually indestructible and is perfect for retaining small to medium sized files.
When it comes time to backup an entire hard drive a recordable CD can be used as a backup device. One advantage of CDs is that they can be restored on any machine with a CD-ROM drive. In addition, recordable CD's are inexpensive. CD's are a perfect solution for large data backup because each disc holds 700MB of information and the media is relatively inexpensive.
Another option for large backups is to use a internal or external hard drive. The capacity/price ratio of hard disks has come down in recent years. The main advantages of hard disk storage are low access times, availability and capacity. External disks can be connected via local interfaces like USB or FireWire.
Always Check the Source Data for Errors
Before backing up any data, it is important to verify the integrity of the data. When backing up data from a hard drive, scan the drive for file system errors. Use CHKDSK for Windows XP, or Scandisk for Windows 9x/ME. It is also equally important to scan for viruses and spyware.
Rotate your Backups
Rotate backups onto a different set up medium every 2 weeks. If one of the backups somehow become corrupt you can use the previous backup. A rotating backup works well for any backup medium that is external and portable.
Store the Backups in a Safe Place
Once the backup is complete and data integrity has been checked, store your backup in an safe place away from fire, water, or direct sunlight. For ultimate backup protection, keep one set of rotating backups off-site (example: one set of backups at home, one set at the office).
Remote Backup Sbervice
As broadband internet access becomes more widespread, remote backup services are gaining in use. Backing up via the internet to a remote location can protect against worst-case scenarios such as fire or flood. A drawback to a remote backup service is that an internet connection is usually slower than the speed of local data storage devicebbbbbs.
Tips, tweaks, and how-to's that will help you get the most out of your PC hardware and software.
Test Your PC With 10 (Mostly) Free Sites and Tools
Use these super testing tools to test and track practically everything about your PC--including its hard drive, Internet connections, and inside-the-case hardware.
Make Office 2007 More Compatible
Change default file formats so that alternate office software and operating systems can still open your work.
Find Out When a Busted Site is Back Up
Is your favorite site down for some reason? Let Ding It's Up! notify you when it's up and running again.
Manage IT Staff in a Shrinking Economy
A recession means tough times for IT departments everywhere, but particularly for small businesses.
Avoid Typing the Same Text Over and Over
Fab freebie PhraseExpress automatically inserts commonly used words and phrases, saving you countless keystrokes.
Stream Music From Where You Aren't to Where You Are
Perennial favorite Orb still rocks at letting you rock-and-roll when you're away from your music.
On Your Side: Winamp Registration Key Headache
Resolving a vendor's 'invalid registration key' message, phone system's maker doesn't answer, and a recall of TV stands.
Cell-Phone Insurance: A Bet on Bad Luck?
You can insure most handsets against theft, loss, and damage; consider it if you're married to your mobile.
