| For many people backing up data is a chore that | | | | security? Many of you may need to save personal |
| they can do without. It is only when they lose their | | | | data, such as financial or banking information. In this |
| data, and can't recover it, that they realize they | | | | case you would need a solution that also encrypts |
| should have backed up their data. With everyone | | | | your data. There are many programs that can |
| having more data stored on their computers, it is | | | | encrypt your data to keep it safe. Most, if not all, |
| very important that everyone stop and think about | | | | online backup solutions also encrypt your data on |
| how they would like to protect their information. | | | | your computer, and sends your data to their server |
| When you decide to store your data, it is important | | | | over a secure SSL connection. From there, your data |
| to stop and think about how you would like to go | | | | is stored encrypted so no one but you can read it. |
| about doing it. A good backup solution involves the | | | | Can your data be restored easily? A good storage |
| ability to save and restore all your data easily, and | | | | system also needs a good restore system. Your |
| effectively. Let's take a look at some thoughts about | | | | backup solution is not good if you can't get your data |
| saving your data. | | | | back. As you plan your solution, go through the |
| How much storage space will you need? This is an | | | | process of restoring the data to verify it can easily |
| important point as it can determine where your data | | | | be retrieved. If you backup online, verify that the |
| will be stored. If you have a lot of digital photos, | | | | restore process is fast and error-free. For DVD |
| then chances are you have GB (gigabytes) of data, | | | | backups, verify the data on the DVDs every month, |
| and CDs just won't cut it. You will probably need at | | | | or couple of months, to ensure the data is still |
| least an external hard drive and possibly many DVDs. | | | | readable. For hard drives, check to make sure there |
| An external hard drive is always a good choice as | | | | are no hardware issues. |
| you can get over a TB (terabyte) of data for a | | | | How long before you update storage devices? By |
| good price. You may also want to use DVDs as they | | | | this question I mean, how long do you think it will be |
| allow you to transport your data offsite, which brings | | | | before you move your information to another |
| me to my next question. | | | | medium? All media that store data has a certain |
| Where will your data be stored? You will want to | | | | lifespan, so that means it will need to be replaced. |
| create a backup plan that stores a copy of your | | | | Backup services such as those found online will |
| data offsite, meaning away from the building that has | | | | automatically update for your, but if you use DVDs |
| your computer. If something ever happened to the | | | | or external hard drives, you may need to do this |
| building housing your computer, you don't want your | | | | every few years to ensure your data remains intact. |
| backup to be destroyed too. Options for this include | | | | Your data backup solution that you choose must |
| DVDs, a second external hard drive, or an online | | | | work for you. Everyone will have their own method |
| backup service. For even better backups, go with at | | | | of saving their data, and you should choose one that |
| least two options. | | | | works best for you. |
| Do you store personal information that needs | | | | |