Setting Up A Reliable Home Computer Backup

An universal cringe-inducing moment is losing work on one's computer, whether it's the first chapters of a manuscript, prized photographs or important business files. Although computers are savvier than they were years ago, a computer is still a machine, and machines inevitably experience glitches. That's why it's essential to back up any type of file so that treasured work will never be lost for good.

A good first step is to download a reliable anti-virus software. This isn't a replacement for backing up material, but it can help prevent nasty viruses that wreck anything stored on a computer. The sooner any potential viruses are found, the less likely they are to destroy a computer's hard drive.

Then, all computer users should invest in a flash drive (sometimes called a USB drive because it connects into a computer's USB port). This is a portable storage device that can hold a large number of files. Flash drives are generally quite small, so they can be kept in one's purse or briefcase -- thus allowing access to important files at all times. Files can be opened on any computer with a USB port. Flash drives are available in various storage capabilities, depending on the user's individual needs.

There are a huge number of flash drives on the market, and many are designed to be fun or cute. Flash drives are available in hundreds of shapes, including animals and robots. There are also flash drives connected to other items such as flashlights. One flash drive is often enough for casual computer users, but some people may decide to have two or more to keep in various places (such as one at home and one at the office). But keep in mind, this means that the user has to save files on each flash drive.

Flash drives can be written and rewritten, meaning files can be deleted or saved again when changes are made. For more permanent storage (i.e. changes cannot be made and files cannot be deleted), computers user can save files on CD-R disks. Unlike CD-RW, CD-R disks are completely permanent. The only way to "erase" the files is to destroy the disk. CD-R disks are great when an important document is compete, such as if a user wants to save a full manuscript or a series of vacation photographs. Generally, a CD-R disk can be inserted into any CD-Rom and brought up on any computer. Since the files are locked, no one can change the files, so this offers some protection if one lends their CD-R to a friend or business contact.

There are also numerous websites that provide online storage. A search for "storage on web" brings up a bevy of websites. There is often a fee, but many offer a trial (usually two weeks) so that a user can see if he or she likes the website and feels comfortable using their program. Another way to store files online is to e-mail attachments to one's own e-mail box, but this relies on the e-mail provider and there's no official "back up". This should only be used in addition to a flash drive or CD-R method.

Marley Martinerin is a regular contributor to a number of sites and writes articles about such topics as the thecus n7700 network attached storage devices, and the n7700 pro nas.