Computer Handyman Of Long Island, Inc.

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Note:  As of November, 2009, I have retired.  I am leaving the website in place for now, as it contains much useful information, and it took countless hours to collect and assemble all of this.

 

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Backups

The subject of backing up data is complex enough to fill a college course.  Businesses are more likely to back up their data than individuals.  Most individuals don't bother.  It's a task that's easy to ignore, because everyone is busy, and you don't need it right now.  The problem is, you don't need it until your data is gone, and then it's too late.  Not everyone experiences a loss of data, and you might not.  It's a gamble.  You have to decide whether you want to gamble with your data.  The question to ask yourself, is how damaging would it be if everything on your computer was gone. 

 

NOTE: The following is intended as a general overview of some of the aspects of computer backups, and is not intended as a comprehensive guide. 

 

Everything on your computer can be categorized as either software or data.  Software includes your operating system (Windows), and the application programs that you use (Word, Excel, Photoshop, etc.).  You should have CDs that contain all of the software that has been installed on your system.  Data includes the files that you have created or obtained from other sources, in the form of Word documents, spreadsheets, photos, music, videos.

 

In the event of a catastrophe, you would have to re-build your system from scratch, first installing the software, and then loading the data.  The key is to have all of the software CDs and backups of all of your data, in a safe place. 

 

There are methods for making a full copy of your computer's hard drive, which can simplify the restoration process.  This can be a lengthy process, and would probably not be done very often.  Data that changes frequently should be backed up frequently.  A consideration in developing a backup plan is convenience.  If a person is required to initiate backups, or load external media (CDs), the backups may not happen at all - automation is a plus. 

 

An interesting option for locations with multiple computers on a network, is a backup device that all computers can use for saving their data.

 

However you decide to create your backups, do something now, while your data is still safe.

 

Please feel free to contact me regarding a backup plan that's appropriate for you.

 

Backup gear

Which storage options are right for you?

Backup devices

Clickfree™ Portable Backup Drives

Backup Software

DiscWizard (free, from Seagate, based on Acronis True Image)

MaxBlast 5 (free, from Seagate, based on Acronis True Image)

FileHamster (Free File Revision Solution for Content Creators)

Allway Sync (use a local drive or a network computer)

GoodSync (file synchronization and file backup )

Genie Backup Manager

DriveImage XML (Image and Backup logical Drives and Partitions)

 

Online Backup

Mozy Home (2GB free):  https://mozy.com/?ref=ZF558M