Creating a backup strategy for your computer is one of the most important things you can do to protect your important information in case your computer should ever fail. Since computer failure happens more often than people think, it is always a good idea to back up your information just in case.

Select the Appropriate Backup Program and Appliance

Your back up plan is only as good as the appliance you use to store your backup information. The cheapest way to store your information is by buying an external hard drive that will be dedicated solely to storing your backup information. A USB flash drive may be another option, depending on the number of files you need to back up on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Choose the Correct Files to Back Up

When establishing a backup plan for your computer, you will need to research your files and keep track of where they are saved on your internal hard drive. It is a good idea to write this information down in another place other than on your computer. By keeping track of the files that you consider critical, you reduce the risk of forever losing the important files that your automated backup process may have missed.

Backup Regularly

You will need to create a regular backup routine. Most backup appliances come with software that will allow the user to schedule a time to back up their files daily, weekly, or monthly. This software should also give you the option to choose which files you back up and how often.

Use Online Backup Servers

Online backup servers are just one more added security feature to assure that you never lose your important computer information. If you are performing several backups on many different types of media, different backup options may be needed. They also provide an off-site storage option for your data in case your computer and main backup system are destroyed or fail for some unforeseen reason.

Importance of a Backup

Backup systems provide the security of keeping your computer information in a location other than on your primary hard drive. These systems allow for the user to conduct back up routines quickly, easily and often to assure that all information is safe and secure at all times. These systems will update this information automatically if the user prefers.

Source:

Back Up Your Computer

How to Back Up Data to a USB Flash Drive

How to Back Up Data on a Windows Vista Computer