Better ways to back up
It seems like backing up should be an obvious daily activity in this technology-dependent world of business where one spilled latte can destroy months of data. With such a simple slip up constantly on the horizon, backing up your data should be the last thing you do each day to ensure that whatever happens, you will not be backtracking and redoing work.
There are many different options for backing up, all manufactured to be increasingly user friendly. The best methods sit independently of your computer; outside vessels that can be saved in the event of a computer crash.
External hard drives with software are the most reliable. These, however, are not the sleekest design and can be difficult for commuting and remote work. External hard drives are plugged directly into your computer, where you run a back up using software programs. You then need to disconnect the device and store it in a safe place because even minimal damage to the drive can cause the data to be compromised.
If you work from different computers or locations, a USB flash drive is both convenient and simple to use. These are best used for transporting backs-ups of important presentations or data that you might want to have on hand at all times. However, being small and convenient can also be the pitfall of these storage devices - they are easily lost, and with them, all the stored data.
The current trend is online back up services. What computer-savvy folks are now calling the "pinnacle of file protection'' is so far considered to be the most easy-to-use and safe method out there. Storing your files and data online makes it safe from viruses that might attack your system, as well as computer crashes and mishaps.
Online back up services send automatic reminders to keep you backing up constantly and can be accessed from anywhere, on any computer with an internet connection. Go easily from home to the office and have important documents available in a secure and safe location at both sites, minimising the need to transport your laptop everywhere you go.
Services such as DropBox and Mozy Home offer up to 2GB of storage for free, then up to 50GB for a low monthly fee. The downside of the sites is that they take an extraordinarily long time: running a back up on your entire machine could take up to a month. But after the initial back up, the subsequent back ups take less time.
With so many options, it is becoming easier to back up your device. Incorporate this task into your everyday 'to do' list and reduce the risk of a complete technology meltdown.
There are many different options for backing up, all manufactured to be increasingly user friendly. The best methods sit independently of your computer; outside vessels that can be saved in the event of a computer crash.
External hard drives with software are the most reliable. These, however, are not the sleekest design and can be difficult for commuting and remote work. External hard drives are plugged directly into your computer, where you run a back up using software programs. You then need to disconnect the device and store it in a safe place because even minimal damage to the drive can cause the data to be compromised.
If you work from different computers or locations, a USB flash drive is both convenient and simple to use. These are best used for transporting backs-ups of important presentations or data that you might want to have on hand at all times. However, being small and convenient can also be the pitfall of these storage devices - they are easily lost, and with them, all the stored data.
The current trend is online back up services. What computer-savvy folks are now calling the "pinnacle of file protection'' is so far considered to be the most easy-to-use and safe method out there. Storing your files and data online makes it safe from viruses that might attack your system, as well as computer crashes and mishaps.
Online back up services send automatic reminders to keep you backing up constantly and can be accessed from anywhere, on any computer with an internet connection. Go easily from home to the office and have important documents available in a secure and safe location at both sites, minimising the need to transport your laptop everywhere you go.
Services such as DropBox and Mozy Home offer up to 2GB of storage for free, then up to 50GB for a low monthly fee. The downside of the sites is that they take an extraordinarily long time: running a back up on your entire machine could take up to a month. But after the initial back up, the subsequent back ups take less time.
With so many options, it is becoming easier to back up your device. Incorporate this task into your everyday 'to do' list and reduce the risk of a complete technology meltdown.