In light of today being World Backup Day we have put together some tips on how you should be backing up your data.
What is a backup?
Backing up your data is something that you should be carrying out on a regular basis. Essentially, it is a second copy of your important files.
It should be stored in a completely separate place to the original file. This means that if your equipment fails, or someone hacks into your computer you don’t lose everything.
Did you hear about the recent Gitlab disaster? It definitely put things into perspective!
Where should I store my data?
There are several places that you can store your data, usually this includes either online or offline. We have included the advantages and disadvantages for you below.
Offline backup
This is using storage media, such as an external hard drive. If you have lots of files, this can be quite costly – you need to make sure you buy one with enough memory to hold your data. It is also susceptible to the same failure reasons as your computer, such as fire or theft.
However, if you do need to restore your files from an external hard drive, this is a much quicker method than an online backup. It also means that you are protected from the cyber geniuses!
Online backup
There are many cloud backup systems that are online these days, with a variety of plans available for both individuals and businesses. The good thing about storing your data on cloud is that you can easily access your files, as long as you have an internet connection. It is also a much more affordable option – usually it is a small monthly fee.
The main disadvantage of online backup is that you don’t have direct control. Your data is in the hands of the service provider. If their server goes down, your data goes with it (hopefully only temporarily!). Restoration times are also longer, and this is determined by the speed of your internet connection.
Take the pledge today!
I solemnly swear to backup my important documents and precious memories on March 31st!