debcook

Backup your data or not to backup your data? What kind of question is that? No matter the situation the only answer is yes.

Although backing up data is not rocket science there are some important details to consider. What type of backup drive is best for long-term versus short-term storage? How large should the backup drive be? Is one backup drive enough or should there be a duplicate backup kept in a separate location? How often should data be backed up?

Data backup is simply that - digital files from a computer, a cell phone or digital camera copied to an external drive. The purpose is to save those files for future access in the event of a disaster or catastrophic failure in a piece of hardware. Even the most experienced computer user may not be savvy when backing up their data.

Long-term data storage is really no different than short-term storage. In my case I carry a flash drive that is easily accessed so that I am not tempted to skip a backup due to time or convenience. However, I also use a Maxtor external hard drive. Is the flash drive as reliable as the external hard drive? That is a good question. Either can fail.

Size does matter when considering a backup drive. The playing field is leveling out somewhat between flash drives and external hard drives. One of my flash drives is a 64GB Luxio, which is more than adequate for most any backup job. My Maxtor hard drive has a capacity of 250GB. As you might guess I keep more long-term data stored there. Cost wise the Maxtor wins by a landslide. Size wise the flash drive wins hands down.

No matter how great the backup drive it is, it is vulnerable to fire, theft or any other disaster. Storing data off site is the best protection. I keep copies of my data in a safety deposit box at my bank. Some data is on CDs and some is on a small (physical size) external hard drive. Periodically new files are added as they are backed up.

While I backup daily onto the flash drive, I typically backup to the Maxtor at least once a month. I copy new data to the external hard drive in the safety deposit box at least every few months. If I detect any glitch in a piece of hardware I do multiple backups right away. Some Internet companies offer data storage at very reasonable rates but I prefer having my data stored locally.

In the end the best backup is the one that is done regularly.