Safe Gaurding your Computer Files

Recently there was a thread on the ISA Forum about the importance of backing up computer files and imaging your hardrive. There were many good responses, good information and a fair number of posts showing the interest and importance of backing up computer files. Preparedness for a disaster and a possible seamless recovery is essential to protect important work and personal files. Many computer hard drives have mechanical components, and they can and will fail, theefore data redundancy is a must in our profession.

I recently installed a second hardrive into my computer for the sole purpose of imaging my "C" drive and backing-up all of my data files. I use Acornis True Image software, and schedule automatic backups every evening at 10:00 pm. The program also images the "C" drive on a weekly basis. The second hard drive is used only for data file and "C" drive redundancy. Even if my primary computer dies, and the worst case scenario is to replace with a new computer all I have to do is remove my backup hard drive from the old machine and install in the new machine and all my files are intact. I also have a portable drive that I also keep backup files on, you can never be too safe. I prefer the security of the second hard drive because in my opinion, many of the flash drive units are not as stable, but this is only my personal preference.

A few weeks ago I was trying to open a directory where I store all of my appraisal documents, client records and client images. When I clicked on the folder the computer froze. After re-booting, I looked for the folder and it was gone. Even though I had backups, there is still that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you are concerned about something so important as your data files. I eventually found the folder, it somehow was moved and copied to another folder and fortunately it was intact. I didn't need to restore the folder from the back-up, but it was nice to know I could have. A few words to live by, don't be sorry, be safe, back up.

Some thoughts on backing up from mypcsecurityblog.com.

Your documents, spreadsheets, databases, and emails are some of the most important information stored on your computer. This data can be lost due to many different types of problems. Some of the most common causes of these problems are:

Computer freeze problems.
User error.
Registry errors.
Malware infections.
Natural calamities, such as flood and earthquake.
Unavoidable disasters, such as fire.

To ensure that your data is safe in any situation, it is essential that you make regular data backups. There are many different ways, strategies, and methods you can use to make data backups. This article explains the main steps that are involved in developing a backup strategy and then performing the data backup.

Step 1: Identify the data you want to backup.
Different types of information are stored on a computer hard disk. This information includes operating system, applications, system configuration information, and your data. Therefore, the first step in developing a backup strategy is to decide what you want to backup.

For example, if you want to back up a server computer, you may want to backup everything that is on it, including the operating system and programs, and if you are trying to back up a user computer, you may want to create user data backups.
If you just need to make a backup of user data, it is recommended that you develop a scheme in which all user data to be backed up is stored in a single location. For instance, you may choose to save all your data in the My Documents folder.

Step 2: Identify the location or media on which you want to store the backup.
After deciding what to backup, identify the location where you want to store the backup. There are many backup options available today and you need to choose the option that is right for you and that can store all your required data.

For example, if your data is not too large, you may just opt for a pen drive to store the backup. If you need more space, you may go in for an external hard drive, high storage DVD disk or a Zip drive. You may also choose to store the backup on a secure network or Internet location, if possible.

Step 3: Identify the method to backup the data.
If you just want to backup your data, you can simply use the copy-paste option to copy your data to the medium you chose to store backups.
However, if you want to make backups on a regular basis, it is best that you opt for a reliable tool to perform the backups. For example, most of the Windows Server computers and Windows XP professional computers comprise the NTBACKUP utility to help you perform the backups. On Windows Vista, depending on your operating system edition, you may choose between the Automatic Backup and Complete PC Backup utilities. You may also search for and obtain a tool that may comprise the features that best suits your needs. For instance, if you want to make a registry backup, you may opt for a registry cleaner tool that enables you to easily perform the task.

In the case that your data is very critical, it is recommended that you choose to save it to an offsite location. The best way to do this is to sign up to an online backup service. There are many different types of third-party online backup services available today. You can opt for the service that best fits your needs.