Backups
The subject is
Backups. I take this opportunity to instill in all of you the importance of
making constant backup files on your computer. Make it one of your New Year's
resolutions to implement some backup scheme. The files you save are yours.
As we continue to rely more and more heavily on computers, the importance of
backups becomes paramount. We all know how often our computers can fail. This
might be due to weather or other natural/unnatural forces. Keeping a good
backup scheme will ensure the files you have worked so hard in creating are
available to reload.
So what do you do? Well first, you want something easy to do. If it’s not easy,
you will not be consistent in doing your backup. Second, you need to stick to
it. There are a variety of ways of backing use the method that works best for
you.
Some Suggestions
·
Floppies:
Sometimes we forget the
basics. Simply copy your files to floppies. Store them in a safe place in case
you need them. Now, I mention this first as a simple backup. I wouldn't
recommend this being your sole means of backing up data.
·
ZIP Disks: These are simply large-capacity floppy disks.
While they might be good for the occassional backup, I’d personally shy away
from them. As with floppies, they are very suspectible to damage.
·
CDs: Most new computers come with CD burners.
Buy a bunch of blank CDs and start backing up. You should have some CD burning
software. Once you are familiar with it, start backing up your folders. To
ensure compatibility, make sure you check the option to "finalize"
your CD. This way you can take it with you.
·
Online
Storage: This is an interesting
method. You simply sign up for online storage and back up in this manner. One
source is called Xdrive. For a small, monthly fee, you have access to gigabytes
of storage. This method allows you to copy files for later retrieval. This is nice
if you are doing an out-of-town presentation and want a second means of getting
your files. Just make sure you have Internet access. Yahoo also allows for
online storage.
·
USB
Thumbdrives: These
devices connect to the USB port of most computers and show up under "My
Computer" as a drive. They are relatively fast, secure, and reliable.
Again, these drives allow you to take your files with you.
So what method is best? Well, I wouldn't use floppies as my only backup. I
would use CDs for most of my backups. I do have a thumbdrive, but that allows
me to simply take my files with me.
I store all my documents in the "My Documents" folder. This makes it
easy to backup my documents. I am currently my important files to two CDs. Burn
CDs and simply write the backup date on them. I suggest doing this monthly, if
not weekly. Basically, you need to decide how important your files are.
Now don't forget other files you might need from your drive. If you use a web
browser, make sure you back up your favorites or bookmarks. Use the backup
feature of your programs (i.e. Quicken) to store copies of your data in another
location. I run Quicken's backup routine and save it to a backup folder in
"My Documents." That way, I’m sure to backup everything.
Two last points. First, make sure you periodically test your backups. Put the
CD into your drive and open a few files. If that CD doesn't work well, toss it
out and reburn the CD. Finally take your backup off-site. If something should
happen to your office or house, you want to make sure you have your backup
elsewhere. You might want to leave some of your CDs in your car or in your
office at work. Either way, you are ensure of keeping your backup.
I hope this has gotten you thinking of the importance of backing up files. Take
the time this month to start a backup scheme and stick to it. Just like
insurance, you hope you don't need your backup, but at least you know it's
there.
Revised: 03/26/2005 3:17 PM