There are several different ways to backup your data. Essentially, you are moving all of your files from one place to a completely different place. This keeps it safe in case your computer crashed.
Different ways to backup:
- CD – You can burn all of your files (or at least your important files) to a CD. This may not be the best solution because CDs can not have information added or deleted. Once the CD is burned, it is done.
- Memory disk – This is one of the quick and easy ways of backing up. Memory disks are fairly inexpensive and can be rewritten over. They offer different sizes of file storage, so choosing one is up to you and your needs.
- External hard drive – External hard drives usually start at $60 and go up from there. They are a great solution to backing up your data. For me, I just plug my external hard drive in, turn it on, and my computer automatically backs up everything in my computer. I try to do this daily to be safe. This is generally the best solution for backing up data.
- Online hard drive – Some web sites offer an online external hard drive. You usually pay a monthly fee to be able to log on and safely store your files. The major risk of an online hard drive is if the company ever went out of business. You would then need to find a new hard drive host.
Obviously, figure out which method suits your need. If you aren’t going to back up regularly or don’t have many files, perhaps a memory disk will suit you best. If you have a lot of files and back up regularly, like myself, consider an external hard drive or an online hard drive. It is well worth the money spent if something ever does cause your computer to loose all of its data.
Brad Harmon is the President at a leading financing company, First Star Capital (www.firststarcapital.com). Brad is a frequent contributor to online publications and newsletters, and is the author of this blog on commercial financing topics.
