PC Support Guide:  -

Backing up Data

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Data backup is something that is rarely thought about until disaster strikes. Most users will take the time to periodically backup their Quicken data to a floppy and feel comfortable. It is not until their hard drive fails that the reality of loosing their Excel or Word documents sinks in.  Even the digital photos can be gone forever.

 

Furthermore, it needs to be understood that and effective backup strategy includes having current backups off site at some other location away from the primary data. Data backups in the same building may not be useful in the event of theft, flood or fire.

 

Data backups are a lot like insurance. They are typically not given much thought. It is something that you hope that you will never need, but when you do need it, you are very glad it is there.

 

It is always a good idea to backup all critical data on a system prior to performing any maintenance. The odds are that the data may not be harmed in any way; however, if something were to go wrong, there insurance is well worth the time and effort.

 

Backup methods include, but are not limited to:

Drag & drop files from one device to another
Batch files that automate repetitive tasks
Specialize file copy software
File synchronizing software
Device imaging software

 

The different backup types are:

Full
Incremental
Differential

 

Backups can be done in several different scopes. A few are listed here.

Entire system
Entire drive
Programs, configurations and data
Configurations and data
Data only

 

Backup locations can include:

Another system drive
Same drive
Network share
Removable media
Remote location

 


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