How to Backup a Computer?

The first thing to decide before starting this process, is the data storage location. Previously floppies were used for storage, however, the number of floppies required can be high and with the current technology, it may not necessarily be required. If you have a lot of data that is processed on your system everyday, then you may want to opt for a tape.

The next option is the hard drive. The backup location will be a different drive than one where the data is currently located. Therefore, in case your data is located on the C drive, you will want to store the data on the D drive.

The other option which can be utilized is the external hard drive. With the new technology, there are hard drives with storage spaces in terabytes. Then the options of CD and flash drive also exist. However, with both of them you may not be able to save a large amount of data.

Windows systems come with an inbuilt backup program. To access this program go to Start → Control Panel → System and Maintenance → Backup and Restore. This will start the backup wizard. You will have to choose the files that you want to backup. Once the files are decided, you will have to finalize the storage location and select Back up now.

You can set an automatic data backup as well. For this, you need to decide a day in the week when this process can be set up.

There are third party utilities available which can also be used. It is important that you opt for a good third party backup software. You will have to follow the instructions carefully so that the process is completed without any errors. Alternately, you may want to consider an online data backup.

It is important to note that in case you have a number of individual files, then you will want to place all the files in a folder, so that backing the files is rather easier. Copy the files and paste them on the location where you want to create the backup.

It is best to keep the backed up data protected. In other words, have a password for this data, so that no one is able to intrude into your private data space. The same will prove to be useful in case you lose the storage device where the data has been stored.