Data Backups⚓︎

Summary⚓︎

Creating a backup of your most important files is one of the most crucial things you can do. It amounts to the minimization of risk and can be so beneficial, especially in the event of an emergency such as a fire, theft or just general hard drive failure.

Examples of types of files to back up are tax documents, baby photos, and school work.

Backing up your files does not need to be complicated, as there are many different approaches that can be taken to protect yourself from disaster. This article will explore a few of the most common approaches to backing up files.

Multiple Backups⚓︎

The following is taken from an article on CNET...

The best way to ensure that you do not lose important documents and photos is to not rely solely on one backup method.

Make sure to store copies of files and photos on your computer and in two or more of the methods listed below. You can even keep copies on a secondary computer, if available. The more backups you have, the better, but two to three should be fine for most.

This is good practice for anything of importance that can be duplicated. Backups should be taken on a regular basis, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or however often your use case calls for.

One of the caveats of digital storage is that over time, it will inevitably begin to break down and fail. Any physical storage solution such as an external hard drive or USB drive will need to be replaced every few years to ensure they won't fail. ¹

Methods⚓︎

External Hard Drive⚓︎

One of the most well known backup methods is the external hard drive. They're relatively inexpensive, easily accessible, and even the least tech saavy users have an idea of what they are. Because of their ease of use, portability, and compatibility, they're a favorite for most people.

There are downsides to external hard drives though. Because the backup created on an external hard drive resides in the same location as the files on your computer, they're vulnerable to the same risks as your computer - hard drive failure, damaged in your environment, environmental issues such as fire and water damage, power failures, etc.

Flash Drive⚓︎

Similar to an external hard drive but a fraction of the size is a flash drive. Also known as a thumb drive or a jump drive, flash drives are highly portable and come in a variety of designs. There are a few differences to note, however, which are as follows...

• Significantly less capacity than external hard drives
• Type of storage - often using flash memory rather than solid state or platters
• Slightly more durable - because of the compact size and lack of moving parts, they're built for being transported and can withstand more bumps than a traditional hard drive.

Flash drives have similar drawbacks in the same way external hard drives do. They operate as a sole backup for your files in the same location as your files so they're still vulnerable to your environment. Additionally, since they often have significantly less storage than a traditional hard drive, they may not be appropriate depending on your use case.

Cloud Storage⚓︎

Cloud storage is arguably the best and safest method of backing up your files. It's generally very inexpensive and offers the best level of protection for your files. Because your files are being transferred from your computer to an offsite server or data center, any environmental issues that may be inherent with external hard drives or flash drives are removed.

Something to note with cloud storage is that the company involved with providing the storage typically offers a plan with a limited amount of storage. You can often purchase more storage at an increased monthly rate.

The way that cloud storage works will vary based on the provider, but CNET explains the general process very well...

Once you sign up for a cloud storage service, you can upload files with a desktop application or through the company's website over the Internet. With an Internet connection, you can view, modify and delete files stored in your cloud storage account at anytime, from any computer or mobile device. You can move files back onto your computer whenever you want.

Cloud storage is not without its downsides though. Security is often a big factor when it comes to cloud storage. There are no shortage of stories of cloud providers being hacked or leaking user credentials. Additionally, if the provider shuts down unexpectedly, you won't be able to retrieve any files you have in your account.

One of the most common drawbacks of cloud storage is the amount of time it will take to backup your files. Depending on your location, the location of the service/data center in question, and the amount of files you have to backup, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or more to upload your files. This can have a measurable impact on your bandwidth ² and could potentially slowdown your connection. You'll also be at the mercy of an internet connection for accessing your files.

Wrapping Up⚓︎

Regardless of the backup solution you choose, it's incredibly important you choose at least one of them, if not a combination of all of them. Whatever the investment is that you choose, you'll sleep better at night knowing that your files are protected should disaster strike.

References⚓︎

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/easiest-ways-to-backup-your-files/