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A backup is an up-to-date copy of your files that you can use to reload your system in case of an accident. Backups are insurance against anything happening to the hundreds or thousand of files you have on your hard disk. We have long used our computers to store personal and business documents containing vital information, however, with the popularity of digital cameras and video, our PCs are now used to store our family history. Sadly, they're not infallible. There are a number of things that can bring down your computer, some of which include a careless mistake, viruses, power surge, hard drive crash, a fire or theft.
When should I make a Backup?
It is good to get into the habit of backing up your system regularly so that you never have to do any extra work as a result of corrupted or missing files. How often you should do this is dependant on how much work you do on your computer. If you update the business accounts on a daily basis then a daily backup is advisable. If you type an occasional document, however, you can probably get away with backing up your system once a week.
If your system did not come with a recovery disc, you should consider making a backup disc as soon as possible. Refer to the computer manual for more details. This is important should you ever need to rebuild your system to its “as bought” condition.
It is also a good idea to back up your entire system if you plan to transport your desktop PC, add new hardware, or remove software and folders from your PC if your hard disk is running out of space. A general rule of thumb would be to back up anything that would be difficult and time-consuming to re-create.
Top tips for backing up your data files
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Arrange the files that need to be backed up under one directory e.g. under "My Documents". When your run the backup program, select the folders to be backed up under "My Documents". Make sure you select all users’ folders - Windows XP creates separate "My Documents" areas for each user.
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E-mail - Microsoft Outlook Express stores the mail archives in an obscure directory. Change the store directory as follows: “Tools “, then ”Options”, Maintenance tab and press the Store Folder button and change the path to your backup directory e.g. "My Documents\Mail".
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Games - Games programs tend to store the game settings where the program is stored e.g. under C:\Program Files\NameofGame\Saved games. Either add this to the list of folders to backup or find the "save game" setting within the application and change this to a folder under "My Documents\games".
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. You may also like to schedule backups to run during the lunch time period when the computer is turned on but not in use.
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. You need to rotate the backup media and for added safety take the backup offsite. Ensure that the backup is password protected if this option is available using your backup software.
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. Windows recommend that you set up regular restore points so that you can undo any settings, such as driver updates, that might cause your computer to become unstable. For more information about restore points, search for System Restore in the Windows Help and Support Center.
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Backup programs
Use backup software to store your data to file on a memory stick, rewriteable CD/DVD, tape or external portable hard drive.
If you have Windows XP, it includes backup software; however, if you’re running the Home Edition, it isn’t installed by default. Once the software is installed, go to the Start menu and choose “accessories”, then “system tools”, then “backup” in order to run the backup wizard. Windows Vista also has a Back Up Files Wizard.
Sonic RedcordNow! is also a useful program for copying files to CD/DVD.
There is also free software available for data backups . Check http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online for software recommended by the popular BBC technical programme.
Backing up your hard drive data