Data Backup

Do you do a data backup regularly? Or do you plan on getting to that “tomorrow?” Even if you do take care of your computer, giving it regular tune-ups and such, you can’t be sure that your data will be safe. Especially if you only have one copy and it’s on your computer’s hard drive.

If your data is very important, then it’s necessary to do regular backups. Many people neglect doing backups because they haven’t had any problems, they don’t know how or they just forget.

Understanding the Importance of Data Backup

Causes of Data Loss:

• Hardware failure – This is the most common reason to backup data. Memory errors, system timing problems, and power failure can result in the loss of many files. The main cause of hardware data loss is when a hard drive fails. Hard drives have high speed moving parts that wear down over time, or are damaged by physical or electrical shocks.
• Software failure – This is where data can be lost due to software bugs. It could possibly cause you to lose other files that aren’t part of that program as well.
• Files corrupted – If the hard drive becomes damaged, some files can be corrupted and therefore unable to use.
• Accidental deletion or saving without changing the name – When you’re creating a file, you may delete portions you don’t think you need, but find out you need later. Or, you press the “Save” button when you meant to press “Save As.”
• Viruses – A virus can delete some files or it can wipe out your hard drive completely.
• Theft – Someone can break in and steal your PC. Insurance many cover the computer but not the data loss.
• Disgruntled employees – If an employee wasn’t happy with his or her job s/he could lock up the computer with a password or just delete files.

Data Backup Methods

• Potential loss of income
• Cost of buying, installing and maintaining a backup device
• Time needed to backup the data
• How easy it is to backup (automatic or manual backup)
• How long the backup device lasts

Backup Devices and Media

• CD/RW: A burnable CD ROM disk that can hold just under 700 Mb of data. If your computer is equipped, you can use a re-writable disk that you can erase and re-save on many times.
• DVD/RW: A burnable DVD ROM disk that can hold around 4 Gb (gigabit) of data for single layer or around 8 Gb for dual layer. New technology is out for dual layer/double sided disk allowing around 16 Gb of data.
• Second Hard Drive: You can add extra hard drives to your computer that you can use as backup drives to save data backups or copies on. You can get external drives that connect via USB cables, making them easier to store at a different location from our computer.
• Digital Tape: This method has been around for a long time and is still used by many companies with large networks. The data is compressed and stored on digital tape using special back-up programs. The tapes can be stored off-site for extra safety. This type of data backup takes a bit more skill to run the software programs and the tapes can be expensive.
• Internet Off-site Services: these are becoming more popular as prices drop and more users are accessing the Internet through high speed connections. These services use a small program loaded on your computer that compress and upload via the Internet any data that you determine to backup to their remote server. They incorporate privacy and safety of your data into the service.

Where to Store Backups

On-Site Storage: This type of storage is the most common and is an easy way to do data backup. It could be just keeping copies of your files at your office or home, either in a safe or another room. For most home applications, this type of storage will suffice. The biggest downfall of this storage practice is when there is a catastrophic event to the place where the data is such as flood, fire or theft.

Offsite Storage: This type of storage gives you the highest level of protection. If there is a fire or some other disaster in your office or home, you still have the data available to you.

Internet Storage: This is another high level of protection. It’s a type of offsite storage, but you don’t need to buy and maintain any extra equipment. You can also access your data immediately through an internet connection. Prices are based on the amount of storage space needed. The only way you can retrieve the data, is through the internet.

Perhaps you need more information or you may need help in learning more about data backups. ROZtech Computer Services can help you make these decisions so that you can focus on issues to run your day-to-day schedule. Click here to contact ROZtech Computer Services.