Hands There are various ways to back up computer data. Online or offline backups are both possible. Offline backup means you copy data yourself to other media. An online back-up involves uploading your data to another computer.
I recommend using a 'belt-and-braces' approach of both offline and online backup. There are sound reasons for this. Using only offline backup means you could still lose your data when your main PC goes. Fire, theft, flood and other disasters can carry off backups with your main PC.
Online backups involve signing up to a service on the web and uploading files to it. The risk here is that the company concerned could go bust and your data get lost.
Offline backups
A simple way to back up your data is via 'removable media' - a memory stick, CD or external hard drive, for example. In 'My Computer', copy the selected files to the external media. This is OK if you have a limited amount of data to store, and don’t mind the effort of copying files manually.
Imaging your hard drive using an external hard disk It is possible to make an exact copy of your internal hard disk to an external hard disk – known as imaging. This is my preferred method as it is so thorough.
You need to plug in your external hard drive and use software to copy the data across. Windows Vista and 7 come with built-in 'Backup and Restore' software. In windows 7, go 'Start>All Programs>Maintenance>Backup and Restore'.
XP users will need one of the many pieces of software available on the web, either paid-for or free. I have been happily using GFI Backup on my desktop PC for some time. Other options include Backup Maker, Toucan or Genie Timeline Free Edition.
Online backups Also known as 'in the cloud', you upload selected data via your broadband connection to another computer. Again, numerous free and paid-for options exist. Companies will often tempt you with a few Gigabytes of storage free and then offer vastly bigger allowances – for a monthly fee. The free option can work if you have a limited amount of data to store.
You can automate backups so the process becomes pretty effortless. Sites include iDrive, Humyo and Binfire. Once you have signed up to the service you choose which files to backup and how often you wish to do it.
How often should I back up my data?
Heavy computer users should ideally backup data daily. Light users should aim for a weekly backup. Automated online or offline backups will of course make the job simple once they are set up.
Whatever method you choose, even backing up a few treasured photos and vital files to a humble memory stick is better than nothing.
Written by Andrew Stucken, this article was first published on January 19, 2011. Andrew's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.