In this article, we’re going to look at some simple and straight forward ways you can backup your files.
We will be look at more advanced ways, dealing with larger files and small business storage solutions in an upcoming article.
Putting all your important files in one place and one place only really is asking for trouble. By taking a little time to backup your files in the event that your hard drive fails will save you time, trouble and a whole lot of anguish and heartache.
Here are a few simple ways you can backup your files to keep them safe.
BACKUP OPTIONS IN THE CLOUD
The cloud is basically a virtual storage space online and really easy to use. You can store files in the cloud and access them from a range of devices like your laptop or phone. Not only does this make sharing files between your devices easier, it is great for keeping small important files safe from any hardware failures – which usually happen at the worst times!
While the cloud is great at backing up small files – pictures, important documents etc, one of the downsides is that larger files can take much longer to upload due to the upload speeds of most ISP’s being notoriously low.
Some cloud services offer the option to periodically sync with a selected folder on your PC. So you don’t have to back up all the time, the cloud service will backup any updates to the folder for you. Cloud backups are hassle free and hardware free so there’s no need to clear a spot on your desk for a dedicated drive.
Some of the cloud services out there include:
Google Drive
Google is offering users a handy 15GB free space with Google Drive and have upgrade packages available for more space. Anyone with a Google account has access to the Google Drive on any device. Register for a Google account and start using Google Drive.
iCloud
Apple’s iCloud offers users 5GB free space with upgrade packages available for more space. This isn’t just limited to Apple products either. Windows users can also use the service. (Windows 7 or 8 required). Get setup with the iCloud.
Microsoft’s One Drive
One drive offers the first 15GB free like Google and includes Office Online. Upgradable packages are available. One Drive is available to use on a wide range of devices including Windows, Windows Phone, MacOSX, Android, Xbox, and iOS. One Drive comes already installed on Windows 8.1 and is not supported on Windows XP. Sign up to One Drive.
DropBox
Dropbox offers the first 2GB free with upgrade packages available on a pay monthly basis. Dropbox is also great for sharing your files with other users. Larger files that are too big as email attachments can be shared with ease. Simply by giving other Dropbox users access to certain files or folders in your Dropbox account. Dropbox has a desktop application, web interface and mobile app. Check out Dropbox here.
HARDWARE BACKUP OPTIONS
USB Flash Drive
Easy to use and plenty of choice out there. Sizes range from 2GB to 1TB. Prices vary too, but on average ayou can pick up a 16GB – 32GB USB 3.0 memory stick for a little over £10 online from stores like http://www.mymemory.co.uk/USB-Flash-Drives.
USB 3.0 transfers data faster than USB 2.0 if your system has a USB 3.0 port. Don’t worry though you can still buy a USB 3.0 and use it in any USB 2.0 ports. It will just transfer at USB 2.0 speeds.
These little drives are handy, easy to use and due to their size, easy to loose. Manufacturers have gotten round this by adding handy key-ring attachments which is good – so long as you don’t loose your keys! Seriously though, USB drives are a great way to back up your files.
CD or DVD
While many prefer to use USB flash drives, CD’s and DVD’s are still valid forms of storage media. CD’s hold just over 700 MB and DVD’s typically 4.7GB
External Hard Drive
Sizes vary and can go into the terabytes. So plenty of space to back up all your usual files and much larger files. Setting up folder syncing, where by you can keep a folder on your PC / Laptop and external drive synced. Windows 8.1 users can use the Sync Centre which comes with Windows, Mac users can use VADIM ZYBIN’s Sync Folders available from the App Store. There are also Open Source alternatives such as FreeFileSync.
External hard drive technology is always getting better and some products out there give you a terabyte in a pocket sized case. This makes portability more easier when you’re out and about.
In Summary
Backing up your files to several places increases the chances of it being safe in the event of hardware failure or data loss. We’ll be looking at more advanced backup methods such as network attached storage (NAS) which are suitable for larger files, or small businesses in a future article soon.
What backup methods do you like to use? Have we missed anything of our list. Let us know in the comments and feel free subscribe to our blog for more tech tips.