debcook

Backing up digital data is a necessity but sometimes backing it up is not enough. That is an odd thing to say. I intended to say it exactly the way I did.

A single backup is absolutely better than none at all. Personal experience has taught me however to have more than one. As an example, I scan most of my paperwork. After each scan I should turn it into a PDF file and then copy the file onto an external backup drive. What I should do is not always what I do.

To cover my rear I often make a new folder on my desktop and copy all scan files into it. Instead of periodically replacing the scan files with new copies inside the same desktop folder – I will make a different folder and copy them there. Each desktop folder is dated and I do not delete one unless I have at least one other copy. Can you say, “Corrupted file”?

This is simply one example. What about all of the files on your computer? There is bound to be some that you miss during your weekly, monthly or yearly backup session.

I just purchased an external backup drive called “Clickfree”. The difference between this external drive and other drives I own is its ability to backup all files automatically and keep one set of computer files separate of another. Up to ten different computers can share the 160GB of the Clickfree.

I work on at least two different computers. My desktop and my laptop each have files on them that I often need on the other. The Clickfree can restore files in addition to backing up files. What a great way to get files moved between computers. Three sets of the same files would make me happy – as long as they are not always located too close together. At least one set should be kept offsite from the others at all times.