What does it mean to back up your data? When you back up your data, copies are created of your files and transferred from your computer to a storage device such as a DVD, Blu-ray, Flash Drive or the Cloud. Pictures, documents, music and email are the most common and important files to back up. There are two types of backup – Local and cloud. Here are some things to consider if you decide to back up local or cloud.
Local backups
There are several different media that can back up data. CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray all require disks. A back up using DVD disks could require many disks, and keeping the disks in a safety deposit box for safe keeping. This solution works but it can be a long tedious process to back up data.
Backing up data to an external hard drive offers several quicker and more convenient options. With special software a clone copy of your computer’s data can be performed. If your computer operating system and hard drive should fail and data is lost, the whole system along with missing files can be restored. Clone copy is not a popular solution because it requires time and special software.
Another way to back up your data to an external hard drive is to copy the files and folders on your computer hard drive to an external drive. As long as you back up your files often, this is a good solution. However, If you do not back up your files for a long time and your computer is corrupted or malfunctions, you would only have a back up of the files from your previous back up.
Also, external drives can be lost or misplaced resulting in loss of all your back up files. It is best when backing up your files with external hard drives to use two external hard drives – one kept with you and one kept in a safety deposit box or other safe location not in your home. This helps keep your data safe in the event of fire, theft or catastrophe.
External hard drives can be expensive depending on memory size but they are getting less expensive with the ability to back up larger amounts of data all the time.
Finally, all computer drives will fail, even the newer Solid State Drives (SSD) will eventually wear out. So it is important to keep backing up your files to new external drives from time to time.
Cloud Backups
Backing up to the cloud might sound technical and expensive, but it is consistent and reliable. The data is stored on several drives at different locations so if a disaster strikes one cloud site, the data has been stored at another cloud site preventing data loss. A Cloud back up encrypts the data in several different protected locations. Security of the data is vital to companies that offer cloud storage. You have to be connected to the internet to have cloud back up. If you are not connected to the Internet then the backup is not taking place. Most people are connected online all the time so this is not a major issue. Price is usually determined by how much hard drive space is needed to back up your data. Some cloud back up companies limit the amount of Gigabytes of information that can be stored and some provide unlimited back up of data.
Should you backup your data to prevent losing important information, pictures and documents? Yes! The way you decide to back up data depends on your needs. If you have the desire to have the information with you in physical form, then local backup is the way to go. If you don’t want to mess with the backup process and let it be more automatic than hands on, cloud backup is for you. Using a local back up and cloud back up together can be an effective solution. You do have a choice, just as long as you DO protect your data by doing backups. The time spend protecting your data pays off when you have an emergency and your system crashes. Be pro-active. Don’t wait until your system crashes, you may lose your data!
Contact CC Communications today at 775-423-7171 to find out how we can help you with backing up your important data using a cloud based solution.
CC Communications can help you with backing up your important data using a cloud based solution. Learn more at CC Communications Tech Home Support.