Set your mind at ease and back up your files now.
One of the most important (but also the most neglected) areas of computing is backing up your data. Most people assume they’re safe because they’ve never experienced a disaster in the past, but they are sadly mistaken. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Laptops get wet, hard drives die, viruses are caught, tablets are stolen, at some point you will be kicking yourself if you neglect the important task of backing up your data.
What does it mean to “backup?”
“Backing up” refers to the copying and archiving of computer data so it may be used to restore the original data after a data loss event. When a computer user backs up their data, they are storing a copy of their information in a safe and secure place. There are many options when it comes to backing up your data, and most of them are reasonably priced.
Why is backing up important?
Backups protect you from hardware failure, viruses, theft, accidental deletion, fires, floods and other disasters. If you were to experience any of these events without first backing up your data, you run the risk of losing all your work and important files. It is suggested that you have at least two off-site backup copies of your data; however, many people get by with just one.
What products are recommended for making backups?
1. Subscription Backup Services
There are many services out there to assist businesses and individuals in backing up their data, often with only a few clicks of the mouse. Carbonite boasts that they are automatic, secure, and affordable with plans starting at $59 per year. Many of our clients have also been happy using Mozy for their backup vendor. Another great service is Crashplan, whose plans start at less than $20 a year.
2. Cloud-based Document Storage Services
For documents that you are constantly using and changing, you may want to consider a cloud storage option, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Both of these options offer two-step verification for added security, as well as a small amount of free storage. More storage space is also available for purchase from both of these vendors.
3. Self-service Storage
If a paid service doesn’t fit your budget, you can also backup your data yourself. Technology retailers have storage devices available for purchase and you can talk to a customer service representative to decide which storage device is right for you. The only downside to this is, of course, that you have to actually remember to back up your data on a regular basis.
How do website vendors protect your data?
Our staff here at Appletree MediaWorks, LLC has seen viruses take out websites before, we’ve seen malicious activity cripple a site and we’ve seen website plugin updates wreak havoc on entire websites, but in the end it all came down to restoring the website and databases from backup. We keep your website and databases backed up nightly and the information is always stored in a safe place. As for the rest of the data and pictures on your personal computer; please see our advice above or give us a call, we’d be happy to one of our developers help you setup a backup plan.
Then you won’t have to ask the question, how do I recover my data after a computer crash?
