{"id":65,"date":"2017-06-08T16:46:14","date_gmt":"2017-06-08T20:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gnarly\/TSdC\/?p=65"},"modified":"2017-08-28T02:02:45","modified_gmt":"2017-08-28T06:02:45","slug":"avoid-computer-disaster-with-data-backups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.timspekkens.com\/index.php\/avoid-computer-disaster-with-data-backups\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid computer disaster with data backups"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally written and published in the Manor Park community newspaper, the Manor Park Chronicle, in the winter of 2006.\u00a0 The advice still applies today though there are now many more cloud-based backup solutions but don’t forget to keep the security of our data in mind.<\/em><\/p>\n

Winter is finally here, and like many others, I have put an ice scraper, a shovel, some booster cables, a tow rope, and a flashlight in the trunk of my car.\u00a0 I certainly don\u2019t plan on getting stranded this winter but should it happen, I am prepared.<\/p>\n

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We should also hope for the best but plan for the worst in home computing.<\/p>\n

If your television breaks, you can buy another and keep watching your favourite programs. \u00a0When a computer fails any files saved on it become inaccessible, possibly irretrievable, unless you had made a backup copy of them.\u00a0 Fortunately, creating data backups is easy, and I\u2019m here to help.<\/p>\n

How to backup<\/strong><\/p>\n

Copying your files onto a CD or DVD, USB memory stick, external hard drive, or another computer are typical methods. \u00a0Using two or more of these methods gives you better protection.<\/p>\n

Floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, and tape can be used as well. \u00a0Keep in mind that any media saved to must be readable on another system.<\/p>\n

When developing a routine, test it by opening the files on another computer. \u00a0Special backup software or hardware is fine as long as they don\u2019t complicate the recovery procedure.<\/p>\n

When to backup<\/strong><\/p>\n

Determining when to backup is easy; just ask yourself how much data you can stand to lose.<\/p>\n

If you use the computer mainly for storing digital photographs, then backup every four months and right after a vacation. \u00a0If you are writing a graduate thesis on your computer, then create a backup every night.<\/p>\n

Where to store your backups<\/strong><\/p>\n

Storing your backups in a variety of locations guards against disasters such as fire, flood, and theft, but keep physical security in mind.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t leave a backup containing sensitive information in an unlocked drawer at work, as your information might fall into the wrong hands. \u00a0Consider storing your backup in a safety deposit box, with a family member, or in another secure place.<\/p>\n

What to backup<\/strong><\/p>\n

Backup important files such as:<\/p>\n