Backups

We've been using Twitter on Fridays to talk about backing up your data for a while now.  We think that this is the most important step any small business or individual PC user can take.  There are a few basic, easy steps that you can take to ensure that your data is safe when your PC crashes.

Local Backup Option #1:

You can set up a simple backup system using your CD or DVD Burner and a backup burning program.  Most programs like Nero and Roxio can be used to make copies of your data.  

Pros: CDs and DVDs are cheap and you can backup when your schedule allows.
Cons: Manually scheuled backups are easy to forget.  CDs and DVDs don't last forever.  Backing up large amounts of data is very tedious and requires multiple disks. 

Local Backup Option #2:

Use an external hard drive to backup your data.  Most external drives come with a program that automatically backs up your data on a predetermined schedule. You can buy a large hard drive and use it for extra storage space, too.   

Pros: Easy to set up and maintain
Cons: Higher cost initially. Hard drives still fail.  Still subject to physical stress from a fire, flood, etc. 

Remote Backup:

Why not use a local backup and copy your data to an online source, too?  It makes sense to backup your data outside of your home or office.  It helps ensure your data from a catastrophic event such as a fire.  There are some great, reliable options such as BackBlaze and Carbonite that cost around $60 per year.  You can back up all of your data for those prices.

Pros: Easy to set up and maintain; backup happens automatically
Cons: Ongoing expense; your data is held by a faceless company

Note:

127TECH has an affiliate relationship with BackBlaze. It is our company policy to only promote companies with which we have positive working relationships. We will never promote a service we haven't tried out first.