Today, more and more people are using computers to store memory, important documents, and other small pieces of information that may need to be preserved for a long time. Backing up (backing up data) a computer is important for maintaining documents in the long term (as well as short term).
Step
Method 1 of 6: Backing up the PC (Windows 7, 8 and Up)
Step 1. Find the right storage tool
You will need a tool capable of storing all the data you need to back up. This tool should be at least twice the size of the hard drive you want to back up. External hard drives are the best option, and they are easy to find.
You can also create partitions (to store data), if you want to use your current computer as a backup. But you should be aware that this option is less secure, because the system remains vulnerable to computer virus attacks and hard drive damage
Step 2. Connect the tool with your computer
Using a USB cable or other connection, connect the storage device to the computer you want to back up. Entering the tool should automatically bring up a dialog box asking what you want to do with the tool. There should be an option to use the tool as a data backup and open File History. Choose this option.
In cases where this dialog does not open automatically, you can make a backup manually by going through Search and looking for File History. This section can also be found through the Control Panel
Step 3. Set up Advanced Settings
Once the program opens, you may want to change some settings in the Advanced Settings section, accessed from the left. Here you'll be able to change how often your computer backs up, how long files are stored, and how much space they can use.
Step 4. Select a backup drive
Once the settings are complete, make sure that the correct backup drive is selected (the external drive should be selected by default).
Step 5. Click "Turn on"
After all the settings are correct, click "Turn on". This will start the backup process. Be aware that the first backup can take a while and you may want to start the backup process at night or before you go to work, so you don't have to use your computer during this time. And there you have it: you're done!
Method 2 of 6: Backing up a Mac (OS X Leopard Onwards)
Step 1. Find the right storage tool
You will need a tool capable of storing all the data you need to back up. This tool should be at least twice the size of the hard drive you want to back up. External hard drives are the best option, and they are easy to find.
You can also create partitions (to store data), if you want to use your current computer as a backup. But you should be aware that this option is less secure, because the system remains vulnerable to computer virus attacks and hard drive damage
Step 2. Connect the tool with your computer
Using a USB cable or other connection, connect the storage device to the computer you want to back up. Entering the tool should automatically bring up a dialog box asking if you want to use the tool as a data backup from Time Machine. Specify whether you want the backup data to be encrypted and click "Use as Backup Disk".
If automatic recognition does not occur, you can start the process manually by accessing Time Machine from System Preferences
Step 3. Allow the backup process to continue
The backup process will start automatically. Allow it to continue. Be aware that the first time around can take a long time and you may want to start the backup process at night or before you go to work, so you don't have to wait.
Step 4. Set Settings
You can bring up Time Machine in System Preferences to change some settings. Click the “Options” button in the lower right corner to change the parts not included in the backup, set notifications, and battery power options.
Method 3 of 6: Backing up on iPad
Step 1. Connect the tool to a computer with the latest version of iTunes
This is the location where your data will be backed up so make sure your computer can be used for this purpose.
Step 2. Select File Menu
Step 3. Select the Devices sub menu and click "Backup"
Step 4. Choose your backup location
On the left, you can choose whether you want to save online or to your computer..
Step 5. Click "Back Up Now"
You're done!.
Method 4 of 6: Backing up the Galaxy Tab
Step 1. Browse to Settings
Step 2. Select Accounts and Sync
Step 3. Make sure that all the sections that you want to back up are selected
You can only back up certain parts this way. The rest of the files should be backed up using the method described below..
Step 4. Click the green "sync" button, which is next to your Google account name
This button will synchronize. When finished, you can select "back" to return to using your tool..
Method 5 of 6: Backing Up Files Separately
Step 1. Look for the storage tool
You can back up files individually to a USB drive, external drive, cloud storage, CD, floppy disk (if your computer is very old), or other storage device. Your choice will depend on how much storage space is required and the level of security you want.
Step 2. Copy the files to the
Copy all the files you want to back up to a folder on your computer. The files can be split into more folders if you wish.
Putting all the files in a folder will make the transfer easier and will prevent you from accidentally missing files if there are a lot of files. This will also make the backup file easy to distinguish from other files that may be on the storage device
Step 3. Create a zip file (compressed)
You can compress the backup folder if you wish. This is especially useful if there are many files or the file size is very large.
Step 4. Add security
You can encrypt or password protect the folder or zip file, depending on the method you have chosen. This will give you additional security if the files are confidential. Just make sure you don't forget the password.
Step 5. Copy the folder or zip file to the storage device
Once the folder or zip file is ready, copy it to a storage device using copy-paste and browse to the storage device or save it to cloud storage (if you choose that option).
Step 6. Move the storage device to the new computer
If you have backed up files to a storage device such as a USB drive, you may also want to save them to another computer, in case you need the tool for something else or want to be more sure that the files are safe in case they are lost.
Method 6 of 6: Using Cloud Computing
Step 1. Find a quality online storage solution
Online storage is a growing field and allows its users to copy data to separate servers. Copying data online can help ensure that your data is not easily lost, and that you can access it anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. There are various types of services, both paid and free, with varying features:
- BackBlaze - offers unlimited storage for a low price per month.
- Carbonite - is one of the most trusted online copying services. Carbonite offers unlimited storage for a monthly fee. Carbonite is well known for its automated copy solutions.
- SOS Online Backup - SOS offers unlimited storage for all account types.
Step 2. Understand the difference between online storage and copying services
Services like Google Drive, SkyDrive (OneDrive), and DropBox offer online storage, but require you to keep updating it manually. The file will be synced between all the devices running your account, which means that if the file is deleted on the copy server, it will also disappear from all your connected devices! This service also doesn't offer robust file versions, which means it will be difficult/impossible to recover older versions of files.
You can use this service as a free storage method, but be aware that it's not powerful enough to really be called a "copy service." You still have to maintain your copy manually
Step 3. Check the security aspect of the service
All online copying services must encrypt files transferred to and from their servers. These service companies may access metadata, such as folder names and file sizes, but the actual content of your data cannot be read by anyone other than yourself.
Many services use private passwords to encrypt your data. This method means that your data is very secure, but you won't be able to access it if you forget your password. If this happens, you cannot request a password and your data should be considered lost
Step 4. Prepare a schedule
Most online copy solutions have software or a browser interface, which allows you to set what to copy and how often to copy it. Determine the schedule that is right for you. If you change files frequently, make a copy every night. If you don't use your computer often, it might be a good idea to set a weekly or monthly schedule.
Try scheduling copies when you're not using the computer. Copies can consume a large amount of bandwidth and computer resources
Tips
- Make sure the backup process is completed successfully before the computer is used again.
- Make a schedule to back up all your important files. Depending on how often you use your computer and file changes, you can set most programs to run as often as you want. Just remember to prepare your storage media and turn on the computer when it's time to make a backup.
- Take care of your data in a safe place away from environmental hazards. Depending on how important the data is, fireproof safes and safety deposit boxes (usually at a bank) are good places to keep backup media. If the data is not very important, a cupboard or desk is a good place. Consider using an off-site backup solution.
- Backing up your computer can take a lot of time, especially if you have a lot of data to save. Plan to back up for times when your computer is about to turn on (or you accidentally leave it on), but for times when you won't be using files.
- Set a reminder on your calendar to check yourself and make sure your backups are every few months. There's nothing worse than assuming your files have been backed up, experiencing a device crash/loss (eg a hard drive crash), and then discovering that your backup data isn't up to date or that you didn't back up what needed to be backed up..
- A good backup consists of several different backup methods with regular testing of backups.
Warning
- Do not use the computer while the backup process is being performed. If you change a file during the backup process, you won't know which version is actually saved, or you could stop or corrupt the backup file. It will also slow down your computer.
- Do not leave backup media in an environment that tends to be wet or where the climate is not controlled. Computer equipment is very sensitive, and there is a possibility that you will lose your backup data.
