How To Create Proper Backup For Your Valuable Data
Why Backup and Recovery is important
The purpose of the backup is to create a copy of data that can be recovered in the event of a primary data failure. Primary data failures can be the result of hardware or software failure, data corruption, or a human-caused event, such as a malicious attack (virus or malware), or accidental deletion of data. Backup copies allow data to be restored from an earlier point in time to help the business recover from an unplanned event.
Storing the copy of the data on separate medium is critical to protect against primary data loss or corruption. This additional medium can be as simple as an external drive or USB stick, or something more substantial, such as a disk storage system, cloud storage container, or tape drive. The alternate medium can be in the same location as the primary data or at a remote location. The possibility of weather-related events may justify having copies of data at remote locations.
For best results, backup copies are made on a consistent, regular basis to minimize the amount data lost between backups. The more time passes between backup copies, the more potential for data loss when recovering from a backup. Retaining multiple copies of data provides the insurance and flexibility to restore to a point in time not affected by data corruption or malicious attacks.
Data Backup And Recovery: Three basic backup methods
PC data backup can be divided into three general groups, with each defining a method of data backup.
- Manual backup. Manual backups involve using your system's copy and paste commands to copy folders and files to an external drive or cloud storage service. This method is very easy and free, but because it's manual, you have to remember to do it on a regular schedule while ensuring that all the appropriate folders and files are copied. That's typically quite the challenge for mere mortals.
- Use Windows backup or a third-party backup app. Using a backup application (either one that's built into the operating system or one you acquire and install on your PC) eliminates the need to remember to make manual copies. You let the application know what to back up, how often and where, and from then on, backups are automatic. If your backup target is an external drive, you just have to make sure it's connected when the backup session kicks off.
You can access the built-in backup in Windows by selecting Settings > Update, then Security > Backup. You can choose to back up to OneDrive (you get 5 GB of free capacity) or to an external drive.
If you have a Mac, the included backup app is called Time Machine. Like its Windows counterpart, Time Machine lets you back up to either an external drive or to the cloud.
If you decide not to use the backup capabilities in the OS, plenty of well-known, established backup applications are available. These apps are generally easy to use, have lots of useful features and can make backing up a set-it-and-forget-it process. Some backup apps with long track records include Acronis, EaseUs Todo Backup, MSP360 and Paragon Backup & Recovery. - Cloud backup. Online backup using a cloud backup service is simple, low cost and -- as noted -- handily solves the problem of getting backup data offsite. Cloud backup is a mature technology, so it's typically an efficient way to back up data. There are scores of cloud backup services available today. Some well-established services include Carbonite, Backblaze, SpiderOak and IDrive. Google Drive, Microsoft's OneDrive and Apple's iCloud are also popular destinations for cloud backup.
Cloud-based file store-and-sync services may also be used as cloud backup. While they may not automatically back up newly created files, they will synchronize modifications to existing files. Dropbox and Box are two of the most used file sync services that also let you retain previous versions of updated files.
Many cloud backup services let you use their applications and storage resources without cost for a limited amount of data -- usually about 5 GB. That might seem like a lot, but it'll get gobbled up quickly as you back up photos, videos, music and other large files. But the charges for unlimited capacity tend to be reasonable -- usually about $6 per month or even less if you sign up for an annual subscription.
Another advantage of cloud backup is that your backed-up files are be available to you wherever you are and at any time. Also, you don't necessarily have to use your PC to access the files because they are often accessible using a mobile device such as a phone or tablet.
The best backup
With so many alternatives, there's really no excuse for not backing up your PC's files. The angst of losing data is definitely avoidable. The best method depends on your preferences -- what you find to be most convenient and take the least amount of your time is probably be your best choice. Regardless of the route you choose, the app you ultimately settle on should point your data in the direction of the cloud.
Sources:
https://www.netapp.com/data-protection/backup-recovery/what-is-backup-recovery/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/How-to-back-up-your-data-and-keep-your-files-safe
