Have you ever wondered why experts tell you to backup your computer, or considered whether or not there’s a right or wrong way to do it? We’re here to tell you that, first of all, backing up your computer is completely necessary, and second, there is absolutely a wrong way to back up your computer. There is also a right way.
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Why is backing up your computer essential?
This should be pretty obvious to most computer users: if something happens to your hard drive, all your data will be lost. This means that it’s a good idea to have an extra copy of your data stored, preferably in a different location, so that you know it’s safe if a natural disaster strikes. Despite this, however, many people struggle to remember to back up their computers. So what is the best way to back up your computer?
Make it automatic
The best backups are set up, and then happen without your intervention. It doesn’t matter if you forget to start it up or turn it on; it just happens on its own.
Make it incremental
Some people like to copy crucial files onto a USB drive and then store the USB drive in a fire safe box. This is definitely a good idea for certain items that won’t change over time, and which you’d want to have immediate access to in case of emergency – copies of critical identity documents, for example. But this isn’t a good strategy for backing up more changeable files. For that, you want incremental backups.
Incremental backups generally start with a full backup of your entire system, starting at the operating system and working its way through the hard drive. Then, the backup program revisits your files on a regular basis; anything that has been updated in your hard drive gets updated in the backup.
The benefit of this type of backup is that it finds all of your files, including those that are hidden due to OS settings. Without that ability, you won’t be able to achieve a full backup.
Make it remote
Most incremental backups are quite big, and storing them with a data center or in the cloud is both the safest and most financially reasonable solution. If your home or business is affected by a disaster which destroys your computers, your data will be safe and sound.
Not sure how to get your files backed up and keep them safe? Contact Nerds 2 You and let us help!
