Computing Tips

 

Tips

Back Up Your Data

If you have files (documents, databases, photos, emails, contacts, favorites, music, etc.) on your computer that are important to you or your business, you should always back up those files to another location. Your files should exist in at least two places or they are at risk of being lost. Almost weekly, we see computers at TKS where the data is not retrievable using affordable technology. On more than one occasion, the hard drives had to be sent to a company specializing in data recovery. This service can often cost well over $1000 and there is no guarantee that all of the data will be recovered. This is why it is important for you to implement a good backup plan.

Your data could be lost for any of the following reasons:

  • The hard drive in your computer could fail
  • The data on your computer becomes corrupted
  • Your computer is lost or stolen
  • Your computer is in a fire, flood or other damaging event
  • A virus infects your computer and deletes or corrupts your files

Methods of Data Backup

    For Home Users:
  • USB Flash Drives - These are a good method if you don't have a lot of data to back up.
  • External Hard Drives - This is a cost effective and reliable method and many come with software that can be used to back up your data regularly and on schedules.
  • Remote or Cloud Data Storage Via the Internet - This may be a good solution for people that are not concerned with bandwidth and do not mind paying a monthly fee.
  • CD/DVD media - This is probably one of the least reliable backup methods. Over time CDs and DVDs deteriorate and may become unreadable.
    For Business Users:
  • Off-Site Backup - This is by far the most reliable method of data backup. We offer the TKS Off-Site Backup Solutions as an option to our business customers. Call 814-834-7991 for more information about this service.
  • External Hard Drives - This is a fairly reliable media and many come with software that can be used to back up your data regularly and on schedules.
  • Tape Backup - Compared to some other media solutions, tape drives typically provide the highest storage capacities at the lowest cost. One drawback to keep in mind, however, is the write speed of these drives, which is comparatively low.


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