Backup 101
Tags: Software
This issue came up on the Frambors e-mail list lately when someone lost a bunch of old data. People usually don't back up until it's too late, of course, so now is the time to make sure you have a good backup. Copying to CDs or Zips (remember those?) just isn't adequate. One, the hardware can die, and two, the media can die. Those old CDs and DVDs aren't going to be readable forever. They're also a pain to deal with. Finally, what happens if your house or business burns down?
Off-site backup is the way to go and there are some very simple ways to securely do it. My favorite is Carbonite for $55/year - unlimited, online backup. Install it and forget about it - it doesn't get any easier (no, I don't have a stake in the company, I just like them.) Your data is automagically, securely stored on Carbonite's servers, ready to be reinstalled if necessary, simply by dragging and dropping back onto your computer (or ordering a CD if you've had a major blowup.)
The other option is using an external hard drive, but that doesn't save you from a burning building. To be really secure, get at least 2 hard drives. Keep one on your computer and throw the other one in your car if you don't have any place else to bring it. Swap them out every week. At least it's out of the house/office and away from the computer which you are trying to protect. There are a lot of backup programs out there but I like Acronis True Image Workstation. Easy to use, and allows you to "mount" a backup as an image - great for reinstalling a computer or recovering a file.
Whatever you do, though - put a backup plan in place NOW, not after you have a drive crash.
This issue came up on the Frambors e-mail list lately when someone lost a bunch of old data. People usually don't back up until it's too late, of course, so now is the time to make sure you have a good backup. Copying to CDs or Zips (remember those?) just isn't adequate. One, the hardware can die, and two, the media can die. Those old CDs and DVDs aren't going to be readable forever. They're also a pain to deal with. Finally, what happens if your house or business burns down?
Off-site backup is the way to go and there are some very simple ways to securely do it. My favorite is Carbonite for $55/year - unlimited, online backup. Install it and forget about it - it doesn't get any easier (no, I don't have a stake in the company, I just like them.) Your data is automagically, securely stored on Carbonite's servers, ready to be reinstalled if necessary, simply by dragging and dropping back onto your computer (or ordering a CD if you've had a major blowup.)
The other option is using an external hard drive, but that doesn't save you from a burning building. To be really secure, get at least 2 hard drives. Keep one on your computer and throw the other one in your car if you don't have any place else to bring it. Swap them out every week. At least it's out of the house/office and away from the computer which you are trying to protect. There are a lot of backup programs out there but I like Acronis True Image Workstation. Easy to use, and allows you to "mount" a backup as an image - great for reinstalling a computer or recovering a file.
Whatever you do, though - put a backup plan in place NOW, not after you have a drive crash.
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