| Computer Backup Backup Tips and Free Backup Software Everyone knows they should have a good backup of any important files that are on their computer in case the Hard Drive crashes or the computer is otherwise destroyed by something like a fire, flood, or hurricane. The problem is many people don’t even know where to start to try and create a backup of the files and folders that are important. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you with your computer backup. The first thing you’ll need is a good external hard drive. I like the Seagate model below as it is small and doesn’t require a separate AC Adapter to use. It connects to your computer via a USB port and is powered from the computer. The most affordable model is the 250 GB size and you can buy a larger model if needed. |
| Big Geek Daddy Who's Your Geek Daddy? |
Custom Search
| Next you need a software program to backup you data and preferably one that helps you to restore your computer in the event your hard drive crashes. You could bypass this step and just drag and drop or copy your files manually but this gets tedious after a while, isn’t automated, and won’t create an image of your system. An easy to use backup program that will provide continous backups for you to an external hard drive is Genie Timeline. This program also has a Disaster Recovery Option that allows you to create a recovery disc in case your computer crashes and you need to recovery your files. It's a very simple and intuitive backup program. |
|
| If your computer came with Windows Pre-installed on it then you should consider a Backup Image program because if your hard drive does stop working the recovery option that the manufacturer installed on it won’t work either. This means to get your computer working again you’d need both a new hard drive as well as new windows software and this can be expensive. Another major advantage to having good Backup Images is if your computer becomes infected with a virus that requires reinstalling the operating system to clean you can reinstall an image from a time when your computer wasn’t infected. The advantage to this is reinstalling the image is faster and will put your computer back to a specific point in time with all your documents and programs included. The product I recommend for creating Backup Images is Acronis True Image. |
| In addition to using Acronis True Image you should also consider using an online backup to store critical files off site. The reason for this is because if your home is destroyed by a natural disaster or fire then chances are your external drive is going to be destroyed as well. The service I use and recommend for Online Backups is Mozy. You can get a 2 GB account for Free and buy unlimited space if you need more. |
| I hope that you incorporate at least one of these backup methods into your computing habits as it will save you a lot of time, grief, and money when something goes wrong with your PC. Full Disclosure: If you buy a product through a link on this page then I will receive an affiliate referral fee for that product. |
