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Backing Up Your Computer

You can save a lot of time by managing your computer and by backing up copies of all your information. Both professional and personal data can be lost in the event of a computer crash. The computer usually holds the only copies of family e-mail messages, school projects, and letters, etc. Eventually, everyone faces a data disaster. Unless all of your electronic files are expendable and not necessary, you should be making backup copies of your most important data on a regular basis.

Backing up your data is extremely important, in terms of both data and time, because that’s what it will cost you if lost it. Even if you do have hard copies of your data, it will take time to re-enter it all into an electronic format. You have to think in terms of what is most important to you and make backups of all that information. Always plan for a hard drive crash and make sure you’re covered if it happens.

Step 1:
Copying and duplicating files
In order to successfully back up your files, you need to get copies of your data off your hard drive. Focus on files such as projects, letters, e-mail messages, your e-mail address book, and any other information that you find essential.
Don’t try to copy programs, as they can be reinstalled from their original CDs. Also, the operating system software can usually be recovered from the installation discs or system restore discs that came with your computer.
Simple backups require no special skills or software. Simply right-click on the folder of the item you’re copying, select Copy from the pop-up menu. Choose the disc or drive that you wish to backup the file on, right click on it, and select Paste from the pop up menu. You can also copy files by dragging and dropping. It’s really very easy to make backups.

E-mail messages and address book lists can be exported from the mail program and backed up along with your personal data. The process of exporting depends on which e-mail software is used on your computer. Search your email software site for instructions on how to back up your e-mail and address book.

Step 2:
Storing your information
Standard floppy disks should not be used for long-term backups or any important information. Floppy disks are less reliable than CDs and DVDs, and are better for short-term storage of small files.

The better options available for protection of personal data are CDs, DVDs, Zip disks, and tape cartridges. You can even use internet storage services to upload your data to.

For the solution that’s right for you, you need to compare such things as price, convenience, and ease of use. You want to make sure how much the backup will hold versus how much it costs.
Always label the disks clearly, and make note of the date and time of backup. Do not ever erase the previous backup until you have already made the new one.

Step 3:
Schedule regular backups
Depending on how often you use your computer, you can determine how often to back it up. If you only use it occasionally, you may need to back it up only once a week. If you use the computer every day, it is a good idea to back it up daily. Whatever backup option you choose, always make sure it works. Duplicate just a single folder or file and then try to recover those files to a different drive or folder. Never wait until it’s too late to find that your backups didn’t work.

Helena, Montana

406.495.3525
1 Engineering Place
Helena, Montana 59602

Billings, Montana

406.656.6000
315 N. 25th Street, #102
Billings, Montana 59101

Bozeman, Montana

406.587.0721
901 Technology Boulevard
Bozeman, Montana 59718

Tempe, Arizona

480.517.5800
80 E. Rio Salado Prkwy, #201
Tempe, AZ 85281