How do I backup my computer?

Backing up is the act of making a copy of program files and/or data and placing them on media separate from your hard drive so that your files/data can be restored in case of failure or other catastrophe. There are different methods of back up, such as backing up to removable media that can be transported off-site, or backing up to “the cloud”, which is really just a buzzword for space on an Internet server computer.


Backing up can seem complicated is when you look at all the options relating to how much to back up, how often, and the various tools to make sure that it happens regularly.
Backing up typically takes one of two forms:

1.     Copying your data. If you copy pictures off your digital camera, and then immediately burn those pictures to a CD or DVD for safe-keeping, you've backed them up. Similarly, if you take the contents of your "Documents" folder tree and copy it to another hard drive or burn it to CD or DVD, that's one way of backing those files up; they're safely stored in another location in addition to the original.

2.     Imaging the entire system. This approach makes a copy of everything; your data, your programs, your settings and operating system.

If your data is in only on one device (i.e. hard drive), and there are no copies, then you are not backed up.


By far, the most common issue that I see people encountering that causes data loss is hard drive failure, followed by accidental deletion (user error). In my opinion, a good backup method will protect you against these at the very least. In general, the more important the data, the more frequently you'll want to back up, and the more copies of those backups you'll want to keep in various locations. The importance of your data is something that only you can really judge. Just think of the files you have and the consequences of losing them forever.


So where should you back up to? The ideal answer is “as far away from your computer as possible". The further away, the more you are protected from all possible disasters. For example, I prefer to backup my entire system to an external USB hard drive. I have a one terabyte drive attached to my main computer and I run a full backup every 3 months followed by automated daily incremental backups. I am well backed up in case of hard drive failure, but not so well in case of fire. What I do to remediate this is, once a month I copy all my data and burn it to a DVD, then store it outside of my premises. The only problem is that my data changes daily, so in the event of a fire, I will lose some of it, but not a critical amount. This is the method that I recommend for most users.


You may be wondering why I don’t recommend backing up to the cloud. There are 2 reasons. One is that I don’t trust the Internet servers to be secure since there have been so many recent breaches of so-called secure sites. The other is that the upload speed that most ISPs provide is inadequate for uploading more than a few files at a time. Do not even try this type of backup service unless you have the highest, most expensive level of service as you will be wondering what is wrong with your computer. At best, this type of backup is only for data and not your full system. Also, there is a recurring monthly charge for the convenience of automation and support.

So, if we agree that on-site backup to an external hard drive is the best solution, we also need to select a program to automate the backups. Please note that the programs available for backing up your computer vary wildly in ease of use and reliability. I have had clients bring me backups they think they made, only to find that they are not valid or out of date, and essentially worthless. A general rule is to not rely on the backup program that came with the backup drive you purchased, as it often can’t be trusted. Plan to purchase a separate and reliable backup program that suits your operating system. For example, don’t by a Windows XP 32-bit compatible program if you are running Windows 7 64-bit. The chances are that it won’t work.

The program that I use for automated and full system backup is Acronis True Image, but I have heard from reliable sources that Paragon Backup and Recovery works just as well. Both are in the $40 - $50 price range, but often there are specials and discounts to bring that price down.

For most average home and small business users, I suggest:

1.       Getting an external USB hard drive.

2.       Using an automated backup program like Acronis TrueImage or equivalent, and backing up to the external drive automatically on a daily or weekly schedule.

This won't protect you from everything, like your house burning down, but it will protect from what I see are the most common causes of data loss. If your hard disk dies, you can restore files, and/or the entire system, from your backup to a new hard drive. If you delete a file by accident, then as long as it was there when the most recent backup was take, you can restore it quickly and easily.


The hardest part of backing up for most people is getting started. If you decide it is time to protect yourself from losing data due to hard drive failure or more, then perhaps you should contact me for help getting it setup and automated. Depending upon your needs, we can figure out what size external drive you will need, and which software and settings will work best for you.


Sandy Coulter
A+ Certified Computer Tech
SEO & Web Marketing Specialist
www.GeekMeUp.com