| Almost all data backup solutions can be separated | | | | network's computers at once. In this way, several |
| into two primary categories: hardware and software. | | | | users can back up their information simultaneously |
| Hardware is a physical piece of equipment that holds | | | | and without hooking up the external hard drive to |
| your data, and software is usually connected to a | | | | each individual computer. NAS devices also allow |
| network so that your information is stored from | | | | users to access their information online, so the data |
| your own system automatically. Most businesses find | | | | can be accessed without physically tapping into the |
| that a combination of the two types of backup | | | | device. |
| storage options are ideal for maximum information | | | | Software Backup Solutions |
| security. | | | | There are number of different types of backup |
| Hardware Backup Solutions | | | | software currently on the market. Most software |
| Storage hardware options are constantly changing as | | | | works by automating the backup process so that |
| new technology develops. Today, some of the most | | | | you don't have to physically store your information at |
| popular options include flash drives, CDs and DVDs, | | | | the end of each workday or workweek. |
| external hard drives, and Network Attached Storage | | | | Some things to look for when choosing backup |
| (NAS) devices. | | | | software include: |
| - Flash drives are small devices that usually plug into a | | | | - The ability to detect changes in a document and |
| computer's USB port. Holding up to 64 gigabytes in | | | | automatically upload that new file to the system, |
| some of the higher-end versions, these are a great | | | | overriding the old one. |
| way to move information or to keep small amounts | | | | - Regularly updating backup storage at the end of |
| of data secure. | | | | each day or over the weekend, as you prefer. |
| - CDs and DVDs typically hold less data than flash | | | | - Online backup options, which will allow you to keep |
| drives, but are cheaper to use and can be stored | | | | your information stored online on a secure server |
| fairly easily over the long term. Uploading information | | | | that is not connected to your own (this has the |
| onto these disks may take longer than it does with a | | | | added bonus of being accessible from a remote |
| flash drive, but they also provide a way to keep | | | | location). |
| information separate and organized. | | | | - The ability to perform a ghost image backup, |
| - External hard drives can now hold over a terabyte | | | | copying your hard drive so that you can upload an |
| of information, which makes them the largest | | | | identical copy to another computer without additional |
| hardware backup devices on the market. They are | | | | work or time. |
| easily stored, like CDs and DVDs, but are much more | | | | Backup Your Data Regularly |
| comprehensive in terms of organizing your | | | | No matter which backup solution you choose, make |
| information (you can keep your data much like it is | | | | sure you update your information regularly. Schedule |
| on your own computers in a ghost image). They also | | | | in a regular maintenance schedule, or have your IT |
| tend to be easy to use and update. | | | | consultant do it for you. Although you may never |
| - NAS devices are much like external hard drives, but | | | | encounter the disaster that makes backup data |
| with more bells and whistles. They work by attaching | | | | necessary, it never hurts to be safe. |
| to a company's network and accessing all of the | | | | |