Backup: Simplified Disease prevention

Backup, backup, backup! If there’s one thing I’ve learned over 30 years and close to 20,000 data recovery, it is not backing up all data sometimes.

Nobody backing up their data at all times, they is most people will never come back up their data, and almost no one ever checked to backup data to see if they restore.

Have you? Do not think so.

Furthermore, while computers may be a little dumb, they seem to know when you do not have your data backed up – because that’s when they wear out. Do not let your computer to cheat you – back up your data before daily.

What I can make a backup There are many options for backing up your data ‘. When I wrote the first version of this article, I’m discussion about the floppy disk, zip drive and tape – and external hard drive worth hundreds of dollars. Now I mention Cloud, but that will change as well. In writing, most new PCs still have a DVD-burner. Almost everyone has a USB port for flash drives and external hard disk. And of course, Cloud.

External Hard DrivesExternal keeps getting bigger hard drive (by GB) and smaller (by form factor) and less expensive (in dollars). One of the early recovery of data that I do is 20MB (yes, megabytes) for Mac external SCSI drive sells for $ 1200. Now the local office supply store Something 2TB external drive for a hundred bucks. That is a decrease in per-unit storage than 2.5 million times. Cheap outdoor storage. Back then, external drive with backup software and they come up as a possible well.

DVDsIt ‘that your computer has a DVD burner and built-in software to copy the selected file or perform a backup to optical media. The advantage is that this disc is worth only a few cents each. The disadvantage is that the daily backup leave you with many plastic Frisbee around. DVD is useful for occasional backup, but not for everyday. Also, remember that while some of the DVD drive gives you the option to use a rewritable disk (DVD-RW), can be too easy to overwrite the previous backup with DVD-RW. Use only write version (DVD-R or DVD + R). Heat, bend, and scratching is the enemy of a DVD disc. Fortuitously, while it is difficult to perform a recovery DVD, it possible.

Flash DrivesFlash drive, or thumb drive, also the cheap and getting bigger in capacity. As I write this, there is a 64GB flash drive sells for $ 50 in the same office supply store. This drives the price drop continues to amaze me. They are durable – I accidentally let one go through the wash in my shirt pocket. Once dry, it will still have my data on it (do not try this at home – fail the second time I wash)! While we managed to recover the flash drive, it’s not even necessary in this case! They are the size of up to 128 GB (as it will soon become obsolete). They can be divided and used on PCs and Macs without your reformatting.

Alternate BackupsWhenever possible, keep alternating the backup. This means that having a disk or thumb drive labeled “EVEN” (for a day though) and one labeled “strange”. Eventually, something will go wrong with backup and when that happens, you will be ready. It is also useful and wise to have a copy offsite in case of flood, fire, or “inside job.” CloudThere A lot of online file backup and storage services available. Your Macintosh has one year of iCloud, Microsoft has SkyDrive, there’s Google Drive, dropbox, and a host of others that will give you free – but limited – storage. After a certain period of time or a certain amount of data, start your costs. There is a widely advertised automated backup service also provides a certain level of free storage and a larger value for the cost. This service can be very convenient. Important to note, however, that most of these services are not responsible for how much they will somehow lose your data. Each one has a EULA or terms of service that should be read carefully before entrusting your data service. They will back up your backup? Is the data encrypted? Although they have been hacked or lost data are a new customer? They can change their service agreement without telling you (maybe)? If someone buys it, if the new owner must comply with the terms that apply for? Good thing to see if you appreciate your data.

Trust, but VerifyOver decade, I would estimate that about 5% of cases of data recovery we have seen, the clients believe that they have a backup. One thing that seems to back up, at least! But in this case the backup is not checked to ensure that all the files they need to be backed up, in fact, supported. And in some cases, although the exact files seem to quit, they will not return after the original was lost. Validation on a regular basis, make sure you can return the sample files that you think are well supported. It is good to know, so you’re not one of 1-in-20 was found to be too late.

Well, what does the author use? I did some things with the files from the computer on my desk. I use a Mac and have an external drive using Time Machine for backups. I have another external drive to copy the data files of new customers every day. I’m using iCloud on some files (such as the current project of writing or my calendar) I want to share the device. I sometimes bring an extra copy of the current project size flash drive as well when I travel or need them to another location. Every so often, I create a new image file of your entire hard disk to another external. I periodically check the copy of the file to make sure they work. Velcro my belt and suspenders.

Back Up DataIt you can not say enough. All the break. Make sure that when this happens, it will not ruin your business, or family memories, or download a BitTorrent infinite, or all of the MP3 – whatever form, restore the files that are important to you. Back to them regularly.

Now is a pretty good time