Computers, one of the most advanced technology invention, are common in most of our daily activities, including the processing and storage of information. Although computers might last long, they are prone to many dangers that may cause failures or complete crashes. This means that you would lose the data saved on the computer. It is also possible to have third-party malware or Ransomware that corrupts or interferes with the nature of the data stored in the computer. For that reason, people should learn to have safe backups for their computers to avoid any effects of lost or corrupted data. This article helps you learn some of the most effective, safe and private ways to back up your computer and files.
1. Cloud storage
Several online platforms provide a huge amount of space for backup needs. Some of the platforms, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive help you save files in a location different from your computer thereby preventing loss of information in case of any physical failures of the computer including theft. An online cloud storage works in a very efficient way. When you turn this feature on, the storage synchronizes the information on your computer or other devices, thereby uploading any new files or data to the online storage. With this kind of platform, you can enjoy several features that include a free amount of space or a cheap limitless storage. You can also enjoy accessing these files from any device as long as you have the information that allows you to log in to the storage.
2. Physical External Hard Drive
A hard drive is essentially a type of storage that allows you to save information. Depending on your drive, you can save a lot of information including software information. Windows operating system has features that allow you to save data continuously in your external hard drive. The Mac operating system also allows for this feature. Depending on your settings, you can save data after a certain period including daily or hourly. When you set a certain schedule, the computer will scan for changes in files and make these changes to your hard drive. In the end, you save all your files regardless of the failures of your computer.
3. Bootable Clone Drive
This is a different use of the external hard drive. This is a version of the hard drive back up that will copy all information on the primary hard drive. This means that you can use this hard drive to boot your computer or essentially access all information including all the software you installed on the primary drive. Unlike the above option, however, this clone does not contain constant updates of the information in the software.
4. Flash Drives
A flash drive is very much like the external hard disk. However, a flash drive is smaller in terms of size and amount of storage you can store. Although they are all these, the flash drives are easier to use. This means that it is easier to store information or access it for transfer to other sources.
Unfortunately, flash drives have several negative characteristics. Information in a hard drive is safer than that in a flash drive since a flash drive might fail easily especially after an attack from malware. It is also common to experience flash drive failures after continuous usage over a certain period. The information is therefore not as safe as you would hope.
5. Online Backup Service
Very much like an online cloud storage, you can store information using a company that caters to security and storage. Some of the companies, such as CrashPlan, allow you to synchronize and save information on an online storage that they manage and keep secure for a certain charge.
To do this efficiently, the company provides you with a software that keeps scanning information and file changes, after which it uploads them to an online storage such as a cloud. Although this is a great feature with special security, it costs more than all other options.
6. Network Attached Storage
A network-attached storage is an advanced method of backing up information and files for multiple users. This system contains multiple drives connected through a network. This means that you can easily connect to the network in order to access the information or files in the networked drives. Luckily, the system does not need multiple drives. Instead, you can choose to include a single drive in the system depending on the amount of storage you require.
7. Windows File History
Windows provides a safety feature that backs up information continuously. This feature allows you to choose the type of hard disk you would like to use, either secondary internal or external. The feature also allows you to choose a certain period within which you intend to have backups created. This makes it one of the best automatic backup features.
8. Using a Disk Drive
A disk drive is one of the easiest ways to create a backup of your files. You can back up information or files using a disk drive that handles the type of file best. For instance, you can use a Blu-ray disc for your backup.
Conclusion
The type of backup you intend to have may have several conditions. For the best safety features, you should ensure that you include several backups. This will ensure that you maintain your files and data regardless of failures from other backups.