How to Backup Your Data and Why You Should
In today’s digital age, where our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of technology, safeguarding our invaluable data has become more crucial than ever before. From cherished memories captured in photos to essential documents charting our personal and professional journeys, the sheer volume and significance of the data we generate and store are immeasurable. This is where the importance of data backup emerges as a guiding light, offering a secure harbor for our digital treasures and a resilient shield against the unforeseen. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of data backup, unraveling its significance and providing you with actionable insights on how to embark on this journey of data protection.
What is a Computer Backup?
It’s “World Back Up Day.” A backup is a second copy of all your important files — for example, your family photos, home videos, documents, and emails.
Instead of storing it all in one place (like your computer), you keep another copy of everything somewhere safe.
Simply put, a backup is like a digital duplicate of your data, stored somewhere other than your computer’s main hard drive. For instance, when you keep a copy of your pictures on a USB flash drive, that counts as a backup. Similarly, if you transfer your collection of amusing cat videos to an external hard drive, that’s also considered a backup. For a more robust level of protection, you can even utilize specialized software provided by online companies, which not only backs up your entire computer but also stores the backup on their secure servers – a highly effective form of backup.
Backing Up Online
The real question is: Why wouldn’t you back up? The truth is, our files hold immense value as they serve various purposes, from capturing unforgettable moments like a baby’s first steps to essential work portfolio templates. Safeguarding this crucial information from potential loss or harm is paramount.
That’s where backups come into play. Embrace their utility with the assurance that even if an unfortunate accident, like a laptop meeting a hammer, occurs, your data remains impeccably safe and sound.
Sounds like common sense, right? It turns out common sense isn’t as common as its namesake. Check out these statistics:
- 113 phone are stolen every minute of everyday—costing consumers 30 billion every year.
- 29% of all electronic losses happen by accident
- 1-in-10 PCs are currently infected with a virus
- Over 30% of people never backup
To help prevent anything listed above from happening to you, please backup.
Women Backup Up Better Than Men
According to a survey conducted by Airbackup, the fairer sex is fairly better at keeping backups compared to men. The study also concluded that women are better at not losing their electronics. However, the survey reviews were taken from personal statements, so take that as you will.
Chromosomes aside, there are things we should all do to ensure there is always an available copy of our data.
We should always endeavor to kick laziness in the butt and regularly backup our files, avoid using smartphones to process our data, and do so on an established routine. Because facts are facts, machines will fail, and when they do, there is usually no bringing them back. Human error is also lurking around the corner, backed up by cronies such as natural disaster, theft and sometimes plain bad luck.
But, it’s not just private citizens that need a way to secure their data, some would say businesses have the real raw and important data, and that stuff needs to be backed up proper before companies start losing customers and respect.
Here is a link to the best online backup services from 2016 by PC mag
So, how do you backup your files? Most people backup their files in one of two ways: to an external hard drive, usb drive, or somewhere on the internet.
Backing Up Online
A simple way to start saving your files to the internet is by using OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon Cloud Drive to save the most important things you’re working on right now.
You can save certain files or you can backup the entire computer, which is what I recommend doing.
Different Operating Systems have different ways of backing up your data. Below is the way you would complete this task.
Windows 7
- Click the Start button
- Type “backup” into the search box
- Click on Backup and Restore.
- Choose “Setup Backup”.
- When Windows has finished preparing, select your external hard drive and click Next.
- Click “Let Windows Choose”and press Next.
- Click on “Save settings and run.”
Windows 8
Windows 8 is a little bit different than windows 7.
- Open your start screen and start typing “file history settings”.
- In the search results panel, tap or click “File History Settings”.
- Tap or click “Select a drive”.
- Choose your external hard drive from the list.
- Click “Turn on”.
Windows will automatically save your files from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in – or plug it in often.
MAC OS
- Open the menu (in the top left of your screen) and choose System Preferences.
- Click on “Time Machine”.
- Click “Select Disk”.
- Choose your USB hard drive from the list and select “Use Disk”.
Linux
- Open the HUD (click the Ubuntu button in the Dash) and type“Backup”.
- Click on the search result “Backup”.
- Click on “Just show my backup settings”.
- Activate “Automatic backups”.
- Choose the location to store your backup on the tab “Storage” (your external drive).
- Choose how often to backup on the tab “Schedule”. The more often, the
better! - Click on “Back Up Now” on the tab “Overview” to start backing up.
Here are a couple of our posts relating to your data and securing your files.
Recovering From A Virus or Trojan Horse
Will you take the pledge with us.
Today is World Back Up Day 2016 and we challenge everyone to take the pledge.
THE WORLD BACKUP DAY PLEDGE
“I solemnly swear to backup my important documents and precious memories on March 31st.”
We are here to help so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 252-285-9592.
