subject: Best Practices In Backing Up Your Computer Files [print this page] Backing up files on your computer can be done in a variety of different ways. There are software programs and Internet applications and services that would allow you to back up your files on their servers, thus letting you access them over the Internet. You can stick with the traditional means, which is the use of your average CD ROM or DVD ROM disc, which is a literal cut-and-paste process, followed by burning the information onto the disc for posterity purposes. You can also back up files quickly and efficiently through a zip disk or external hard drive.
How to Select Data for Backing Up Your Computer
Backing up files doesn't necessarily need to entail backing up every single file or program you have. If you have a CD ROM or DVD ROM installer for a software program, then it need not be backed up. The following is a quick sampling of general file types that definitely need to be backed up:
Financial documentation such as bank records, billing statements and other related data
Photos, graphics and other digital images
Software and music files that you downloaded from the Internet
The contacts of your email address book
Miscellaneous personal documents, including, but not limited to term papers, homework assignments and essays for the student populace, Powerpoint presentations, reports and other work documents for the gainfully employed
Important emails
Addendum, Final Footnotes on Backing Up Files
Storage materials have to be labeled. CDs, for example, need to be labeled accordingly and filed for easy reference. If you back up files without a labeling system, then the data backed up would be virtually useless if you cannot find them in the pile, and there would inevitably be a pile of CDs that would accumulate.
Don't use floppy disks as permanent storage for your backup files. The data inside them easily get damaged and won't last long enough to be useful as a back up.
As we have already discussed, the Internet is littered with evil intentions and malicious - albeit smart and brilliant plotters. They are constantly in the prowl for innocent, unprotected computers. These people are loosely referred to as 'hackers', and their arsenal of destruction includes, but is in no means limited to viruses, Trojans, worms and spyware. You should obviously ensure your computer is protected against these agents of destruction and the numerous ways they can penetrate your operating system.
It is often said that the best cure is prevention. That age-old maxim applies to computers as well. If you want to protect your computer from the threat of viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious code, one of the best options to take is setting up a firewall.
