Backing up your computer is the single most important thing you can do ever.
EVER.
If you are just starting or maybe just remembered that your last backup was over 2 years ago… relax! There are new and improved ways of backing up your pictures, music, financial statements and even that college thesis paper. Gone are the days of spending hours burning and labeling C.D’s – while still a good idea – there are much quicker, less time-consuming ways of saving all of your important data.
Options
- Burn CDs- backup monthly
- Buy an external backup monthly
- Buy an external that wirelessly backs up for you.
Option 3- “backs up for you” that sounds easy! Unless your house burns or floods, then that external is toast.
Drum Roll Please…
Option 4: Cloud Storage! (learn how cloud storage works)
Cloud storage is the easiest, quickest and most reliable way to back up your computer. First, pick the program that you fits your size and price range (Find options here). Dowland the program, begin your back up and voila! Every time your computer is connected to the internet, the program will seamlessly sync your data to the cloud.
Of course, the initial back up will take some time, but from then on out, only new or updated data will be backed up. These program run in the ‘background’ and should not slow your computer. They also include the option to back up everything or only the things that are truly important. If your computer crashes or is stolen, breathe a sigh of relief because you can restore everything from the cloud to your new computer. I highly recommend this method and believe it is totally worth every penny.
I have been using Carbonite for over 3 years and have had no problems. I recently tried “Option 3” and purchased Mac’s Time Capsule, but the backups were long, slow and well, annoying to deal with. With Carbonite I can log in to my account online, check on my backups, see that my newest batch of photos has uploaded and rest assured that everything is there.
*If you still love having a physical external, get one. Just be on the safe side and also purchase a fire resistant safe- like these.
Good Luck and feel free to ask me any questions! I will try my best to answer!