Backups

Backups

Computer hard drives, whether they are disk drives with moving parts or flash-based storage such as SSD and USB drives, can all experience mechanical failure or become corrupted at any time, frequently without warning. Mobile devices can also be lost. It always pays to invest in a backup system, therefore, whereby a full set of your important files, such as pictures, letters, videos, accounts, and passwords, etc., are copied onto a separate hard drive and updated on a regular basis. (To be really safe, always copy your files to a backup disk at home once a day, and make a second backup once a week to an internet-based storage site – just in case anything ever happens at home and both your computer and the backup disk are lost.)

The first thing you will need is a separate destination for your backup. External USB hard drives now cost around ¥9,000 for 1TB of storage – that’s just ¥9 per 1GB of storage space, which is a very reasonable investment if you want to protect your memories and important data. Ideally choose a disk which is twice the size of your computer’s hard drive.
Secondly, you will need a backup software programme that manages the process for you; all the major operating systems have automatic backup solutions built in to the operating system. Windows 8 uses ‘File History’, Windows 7 uses ‘Backup and Restore’ (see Control Panel/System and Maintenance), whilst Mac OSX uses ‘Time Machine’ (see System Preferences). Other commercial and freeware programmes, usually with more options and features, are widely available too.
These programmes will give you options of which folders and files to include, which to exclude, and how often to schedule the backup to run automatically. You should also look at any options it offers for encrypting your back up; after all, many backup disks are easily portable, and you want to make sure the files are protected should the drive ever go missing.
Another option is to look for an online backup and storage solution. There are many sites offering this service; usually the first 5GB-10GB of space are free, then a monthly or annual subscription charge applies for more space. Some even offer unlimited storage space for a fixed monthly subscription, whilst some also offer applications for your smartphone or tablet. The advantage is that the backup is in a different location from the original files, and accessible from wherever you are. The disadvantage is that backups will take more time over your internet connection, and knowing how quickly things can change in the world of technology, there is no guarantee that the website you choose will be around for ever. However, many firms have been around for a long time, and offer a great service. Dropbox and Google Drive are file sharing services that also work well as backup destinations, however several other highly regarded dedicated backup solutions are also listed at the bottom of this article.

Whatever your choice, make sure you review your backup strategy today, and spend a few minutes (and perhaps a few thousand yen) guaranteeing the safety of those important files.

For more information, see:

Windows 8:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/how-use-file-history

Windows 7:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-files#1TC=windows-7

Mac OSX:
http://www.apple.com/support/timemachine/

Some leading online backup services:
http://www.backblaze.com
https://www.code42.com/store/
http://www.carbonite.com
http://www.bitcasa.com
http://www.sosonlinebackup.com

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