Selecting the Right Data Back-up Solution for You
Selecting the Right Data Back-up Solution for You
Whether you are worried about your personal data on your home computer or concerned with backing up vital business files, you need to find the right data protection solution for your needs. There are a number of different options you can consider for your data protection, all of which can provide peace of mind and security.
Copy Your Data
One of the simplest methods of backing up data is to make a copy in a secure location. This can mean a number of different things depending on the situation. Many people simply rely on another hard drive onto which they backup all of their important data. While this is an acceptable solution for basic needs, such as family photographs and other personal files, it is generally considered to be neither secure enough nor a complete backup solution.
Imaging
A more complete answer for backing up your computer or laptop is what is known as imaging. Rather than simply copying up the pertinent files that you are concerned about losing, the imaging process makes an exact copy of your entire computer as it exists at that moment in time. This includes not just your files, but your operating system and all of the programs you have installed on your computer as well as your settings. An image of your hard drive allows you to completely restore the computer to where it was on the day you imaged it. This can save you in the case of a total crash of your system, and get you back to where you were much faster.
Storing Your Backups
In addition to the option of backing up files or creating images, you have to choose the location where you will keep your backups. While you can certainly keep them in your home or office, in the event of a fire, theft or natural disaster, the copied files will be lost along with the originals. In the case of your personal files, the loss of photos and other information can be of serious sentimental consequence. When it comes to business files, it can be downright disastrous for your business.
Off-Site Storage
A better solution is to invest in off-site storage. There are a number of companies that will securely store your data for a small monthly fee. You can usually backup to this location as often as you need to, to make sure that the information stored there is as up to date as possible. The more frequently you perform your backup process, the less likely you are to lose any important data. Off-site data storage solutions provide you with a higher level of security than you are likely to be able to manage in your own home or office environment, meaning you have protected your valuable data as best you can.
Online Storage
There are a number of companies offering online access to data storage. You upload your files, and the company stores them in a remote location on a server. You can easily access them whenever you want to and perform a backup over the internet. This is a popular choice for both business and personal data protection.
Keeping a local backup that you can access easily as well as an off-site backup allows you to have duplicate coverage of your files and doubles up your security. For an easy at-home solution, consider keeping a portable hard drive around that you can connect to your computer via USB cable to quickly perform routine backups. If you have a safe or fireproof box, store the hard drive in that location when not in use to keep it secure.
Whatever method of backing up your data you choose, you should be sure to set up a regular backup interval and stick to it so that you will be sure to have the most recent data possible in your backup files. Depending on how often data changes on your computer, you may want to back up on a weekly or monthly basis, or at a longer interval as long as you feel comfortable with the amount of data that could potentially be lost during that time period.
It doesn't take much to cause a data loss emergency; a virus, a beverage spilled on the computer, or a simple malfunction in the hardware could all put your important files out of reach. When you have a solid backup plan you can at least be certain that no matter what happens you will be able to restore your data and get back to normal. However, should you have a problem and not have a backup available to you to restore your lost files, a data recovery firm is your best option to retrieve your files. Choose a firm that has a good reputation, and guarantees their results to ensure that you aren't disappointed with the outcome. Your files are important to you do what you need to in order to best protect them.
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