While it is estimated that more than 75% of all computers use some form of virus protection - only 3% use a file back up program. The irony is that your computer and the programs can be replaced or repaired, which means the truly important things on your computer that are the actual files and data that each of us builds up on a computer over time. Just as many people had to learn the hard way about using a virus program, computer users are just starting to learn about the importance of using a back up plan to ensure that your files are protected from going missing. After all, it's only when the actual file you need has vanished that you really begin to understand how valuable those files can be.
I have a client that woke up one morning to find that his entire Microsoft Works file structure was completely gone - vanished completely. There was no reason for this - no viruses, no file deletion or changes in file structure. They were just gone. Thousands of hours or work, not to mention the importance of what those files contained were wiped out forever.
Computer malfunction is only one of the many situations that can cause you to wish you had back ups of your files. What if your computer is stolen, or is damaged in a fire or flood ?. What if a virus wipes out your hard drive, or a hacker gets into your system and deletes a bunch of programs or directories. The list and potential threats goes on and on - and is all the more reason that all computer users should be using a file back up program. How Back Up Applications Work
Back up utilities are relatively simple programs that work to ensure that an up to date copy of your important files are always stored in a safe place where if needed, can be easily recovered. This can be to a disk, to another computer, to an email account or to a web server. The idea is the back upped data is separate from the computer so it can be retrieved in the case of a future problem.
There are numerous services on the web, as well as software programs you can use that will get the job done. Most are easy to install, and only require you to specify which files or directories you want continually backed up as well as well as how often.
The key features that you will want to look for in a back up program or service are as follows.
1. An automated scheduling feature that does not require you to remember to back up your data - you simply want to be able to turn it on and forget about it.
2. The program/service should have the ability to send the backed up files to multiple locations such as an email account or a web server.
3. The ability to specify any file, program or disk drive to perform a back up on.
4. Being able to easily see and find your back upped data is important. The program needs to be able to label and archive your back up files for easy retrieval.
Cost is also a consideration. Most online services charge a monthly fee to back up your data which can add up over time. The advantage of these services is that they automatically back up your files to their servers where your data will be safely stored. The draw back is that your system needs to be connected to the internet for your data to be backed up as well as their monthly fee can add up over time. Even a $15 a month, that works out to $180 a year.
The other alternative is to use a software program that will perform a full system back up for you. Programs such as Back Up Patrol (backuppatrol.net) provide full function backup features including the ability to back up your files to a disk drive, to your web server or to your email account. It does the latter by actually sending an email with the contained data backup to your email address where it can be stored for safe keeping. The main advantage of this type of program is that is works even if you are off line as well as it is only a one time purchase of $39.95 instead of a monthly charge.
