A backup system just makes good sense in today’s computing environment - new virus threats seem to creep up every day. Everyone’s personal computer has data worth protecting: financial records, emails, digital pictures. For a small business, keeping computer data safe and accessible may mean being able to stay in business. To backup data there are [...]
A backup system just makes good sense in today’s computing environment - new virus threats seem to creep up every day. Everyone’s personal computer has data worth protecting: financial records, emails, digital pictures. For a small business, keeping computer data safe and accessible may mean being able to stay in business.
To backup data there are a few choices. Essentially what needs to be decided is what data storage medium will be used. backup software needs to be installed no matter which backup system is chosen. There are pluses and minuses to any backup choice.
Tape, CD, DVD, flash memory – A physical copy of the computer data is created. Some backup media are rewritable and others are one time use. A physical backup is fairly inexpensive, however, they may eventually degrade and storage is an issue. Flash memory is more expensive for the amount of data it holds but is easily portable and requires little storage space.
External Hard Drive – This backup device connects to the main computer via local interface such as USB. These are more expensive than other physical media and may eventually run out of storage space. On the plus side, a hard drive backup is easy to use and quickly accessible.
All physical backup need to be stored away from the main computer to safeguard against disasters such as earthquake, flood, and fire.
Online backup – With an online backup system there is no physical media to store. The data is stored on a remote computer and a quality company has redundant sites. There is usually a monthly fee associated with an online backup system, however, many are reasonably priced. Free online storage sites do exist although with limited storage. Data vulnerability is a concern and encryption should be used to protect sensitive information.