How to Properly Back Up Your Data?

Posted by Kristen White
8
Jan 29, 2018
151 Views
The world today is highly reliant on technology. Whether it is for school, work or your personal use, your gadgets have information that you would not like to lose. Backing up your data is, therefore, one of those things that have to be worked into your daily routine. Before diving into the details of how to back up your data or hiring top data recovery specialist let us get one thing straight. 


 
Never backup your files to the same hard drive
 
This means that your original files and the backup copies should be on different hard drives. The crashing of a hard drive is inevitable at times. Backing up information on the same hard drive as the original information is counterproductive. Now let us get to the details. 

Dealing With Old Data

When it comes to storing old data, it is important that you understand the difference between archiving and backing up data. Archiving is used for old data that is rarely going to be used. Backup, on the other hand, is reserved for frequently used data. Old data is important especially in the case of businesses. Before you embark on the archiving process, dedicate some time to cleaning out that which is truly no longer needed. Once this is done, you can archive the remaining data in an external hard drive. Be careful not to damage or corrupt any of the files when transferring them as you would not be able to access them at a later date. 
 
Ensure that you have at least two copies of the same data if the first copy is damaged in any way. Testing the data by attempting to restore it now and then is a good way to ensure that your archived data is still intact. Store the backups in a cool and dry place away from any electromagnetic devices. Where possible, store the backups in different locations. 
 
Dealing With Current Data

Now that you have taken care of the old data, it is time to focus on current data. This is data that you interact with on a daily basis. Here, you can opt for cloud-based backup solutions or an external drive that stays permanently connected to your system. If you go for the latter, ensure that it is capable of accommodating all your information leaving some room for data generated in future. If you opt for cloud-based solutions consider the following:
 
Security: The security protocols required for your data depend on the type of data that you wish to back up. Sensitive information about client financial, health and location details will require higher security than most data sets. 
 
Location: With cloud storage, there is no telling where your data will end up being stored. It may be within the boundaries of your country or beyond. Consider the implications of both options before you settle on any service provider. 
 
Time: Time is a precious commodity. If a business loses its data, the time taken to recover it will have a direct impact on its productivity. It is, therefore, important that you determine the time taken to recover data before settling for a service provider effectively. 
 
Reputation: Your data is the key to your business. You, therefore, want to make sure that top data recovery specialist has a good reputation and can deliver the services required. 

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