Whether on a smartphone, a tablet, a Windows PC, or a Mac, today it is essential to keep an up-to-date backup of at least your most important data. Accidents can happen at any time, thieves are constantly on the lookout, and data theft on electronic devices is piling up.
With this post, I do not intend to propose a single solution, but rather to offer an overview of what you should consider ensuring that you are performing the backup process safely. For example, you have to keep in mind that this process does not only cover the backup itself but also requires the verification that you can restore the files. Unfortunately, if you use Windows' internal backup tool, this is not always the case.
Generally speaking, a quality backup consists not of a single backup, but a double (or even triple) backup. The backup must be stored on a different hard disk than the one containing the data to be backed up. It is advisable to use an external hard drive (or, better yet, two) that are the right size to store the complete backup, and with "adequate size" I mean twice the size of the hard drive that contains the data to be stored. copied. The external hard drive must be separated from the computer once the backup is complete, as certain types of malware can infect the device on which they run and spread to peripheral devices or the network to which the computer is connected.
An ideal solution might be to back up two copies to two external hard drives (and keep one close to the computer and the other in a different location to avoid the risk of fire or water damage). If there is an additional backup in the cloud, you are unlikely to suffer data loss if the files can be restored. Unfortunately, it is quite common that, even with consistent backups, no examination of the restore process itself is carried out, so only after a data loss does one discover that the backup data may be damaged or even non-existent.
What is the best backup method?
When you are using a new device or restoring the computer system, we recommend that you save a complete image, since in that case, it is always possible to restore the data to its original state (from a version saved on a different disk). If the backup is done consistently, you can always count on the ability to access a running system in a very short period.
Performing a full backup or an incremental backup is up to you, although I would personally recommend the latter (as it saves time and storage space), followed by a full backup now and then.
What kind of data should I back up?
Regardless of the system backup, copies of files of personal or business value should be made: photos of your vacations or videos of your children, personal and business correspondence, receipts, or thesis ... If it matters to you, you must protect it.
The easiest way is through Backup and File Manager, although it would be much more practical to use the appropriate programs. I suggest you do not skimp on this, as the security of your most critical data is at stake. It's best to get a well-known and professional program that offers the option of asking questions and discussing any issues that may arise with real people. These tools can automatically back up individual drives, partitions, and directories at pre-scheduled times. Besides, they handle examinations of data backups and are capable of restoring them as well.
A professional tool runs automatically after customizing your settings and when you use it for the first time a full backup of all integrated and associated disks is applied. In addition to this, after a predetermined time interval, a full backup will be performed again.
What type of medium is recommended?
DVDs are not a good option for long-term storage, as they can only store small amounts of data and are highly exposed to corruption and external damage (eg sun or heat damage). Even USB's are not very suitable, whose embedded chips may have a questionable origin that would precipitate data loss or corruption. It is easier to recover data from magnetic memories (HDD) than from flash memories (SSD, USB sticks) since SSDs pose a very complex challenge for data recovery.
I would say that for small and medium businesses and freelancers RDX (Removable Disc Exchange) drives are the number one choice. Its name indicates it: RDX is a removable medium, while the hard disk is connected internally or externally to a special slot. The cartridges are rugged, and since they are originally designed for long-term backup, they are thoroughly examined before they are shipped. They are also prepared against shocks and are available in a version that protects them from heat.
Businesses often use magnetic tapes for data storage. Magnetic tapes can store large amounts of data, are inexpensive, and have a very long lifespan - they can continue to be read after 30 years. However, tape drives are inexpensive and much more cumbersome to handle than external hard drives. Another aspect to consider is that when using tape media it is essential to conduct regular readability checks on stored data as part of your backup plan.
Backup is not enough to keep your data safe. You should consider your data security. Find the best total security in the process to keep your data from external vulnerability.
Comments