Are you worried about losing important files?
System failures are not an uncommon occurrence. You will need a well-maintained system to be able to relax knowing your files are safe. However, even well-maintained systems have a chance of shutting down.
Brand new system servers have a 5% chance of shutting down, taking all your important files with it, and the chances will only increase as your system servers age. Even with that small a chance of your servers shutting down, it’s still a smart idea to backup data.
Backing up data can save you a lot of headaches once a system failure does happen. It also allows you to take your data elsewhere for meetings and presentations and such. Here are 14 ways you can back up your data today.
1. Back Up Your Data in a Flash Drive
Flash drives are a practical way for you to store your files. They also come at an affordable price, but they are reliable despite that.
These qualities are why flash drives are the most cost-effective option here on this list. This is also what made them drive Western Digital’s growth results earlier this year.
They are also small, which makes them portable. This way, you can carry around files you need without needing to bring your device along. Though, because of this feature, they are easy to misplace.
Flash drives are also susceptible to damage. Their small size and light casing make them easy to break apart. They also have a limited capacity for memory most of the time.
So, if you have big files needing storage, you may want to look at other options.
2. Use External Hard Drives
External hard drives are an upgraded version of a flash drive. They tend to have a larger storage capacity, and they are much more durable, requiring serious or intentional damage to break it or even make it malfunction.
While some people argue that they are a little bulkier than flash drives, some companies like Samsung are developing new ways to make them smaller than flash drives, but twice as fast. This makes them perfect for transferring and storing large amounts of files at once.
However, these come at a steep price, with a single unit costing as much as 10 flash drives.
3. Burn Your Data on Disks
One way you can store your files and information is by burning them in disks. This may seem primitive, but it is a practical and effective method. Unlike flash drives and external hard drives, there is no chance of getting malware on disks.
There is also no fear of disks failing on you. All you need to do is keep it clean and it can work even after a long time in storage. Speaking of storage, handling disks is not an issue because of how compact they are.
The only thing that can be tedious with using disks is the time it takes to store your data. Burning tons of information on a disk can take hours. So, if you want things finished on time, you better start burning your files earlier than usual.
4. Install a NAS
Having a worst-case scenario plan is one of the 5 essentials when starting a business. If your business revolves around keeping tons of data as a reference, then your worst-case scenario is losing all that data. How will you prevent this from happening?
Simple, with the use of a network attached device.
A NAS may be the best way to backup files. It has an even larger storage capacity than your typical hard drive. These devices can also backup many devices at once without losing to the speed of an external hard drive.
You can also set an automatic backup schedule for your NAS. This ensures you will always have the latest files in storage. This keeps it safe while you deploy your IT recovery plans.
Don’t know what you should have in your IT recovery plan? There are some basics that are covered in a guide which you can view here.
5. Print Your Files
One more way you can store your computer’s files is by having a physical copy of the documents. This means you print them and keep them sorted. It may be a tedious task to sort them, but some of the benefits may be worth it depending on what kind of files you want to store.
Printing files make them impossible for hackers to get a hold of. This means the information inside is safe from any online threat.
Printing documents also mean you don’t have to worry about hardware failure. So, even during a power outage, you can access the files you need.
6. Use a Time Machine
No, we’re not talking about science fiction mumbo-jumbo. This time machine is an Apple product. This gives Mac users exclusive use of this product.
The time machine works much like a network attached device in that it can perform automatic backups. However, the key difference is that backs up your entire drive, not key files only like a NAS does. The frequency of backups is also different, backing up your files in the last 24 hours every day.
7. Store Your Data in Disaster-Proof Hard Drives
If you live in an area prone to disaster, this is your best bet. Disaster-proof hard drives can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s also a water-proof drive, so even rainy weather can’t cause this to break down.
A neat feature this hard drive has is its compatibility with other storage devices. You can connect this to your NAS or HDDs is easy to do. You can also set them up with other third-party programs to gain access to more features.
8. Backup Data in Google Drive
Google Drive allows you to store your data in the cloud. Google drive can store any kind of document you put in it. This means you can store not only text documents, but also videos, photos, and sound recordings.
There is also a built-in feature that lets you share your documents with your contacts. This makes it easy to share documents across different devices.
Search engine optimization is also made easier using Google Drive. The system has an image recognition feature that scans your photos when you upload them on Google Drive. It will make the image easier to appear on search engines when someone looks up anything related to the photo.
Don’t worry, you can adjust your settings to keep your photos private if you so wish.
9. Use Google Backup and Sync
Google Drive has its own features, but it lacks any means of handling many devices at once. Google Backup and Sync cover that area. You can sync many devices so you only have to perform 1 session of backup.
This feature comes with a price though. Google Backup and Sync has a limited space. Although, there are means available to increase it without paying anything.
It doesn’t mean that Google Backup and Sync is perfect though. The online tool can’t perform full system backups. This means it’s useful for individual directory backups, but not much else beyond that.
10. Upload Your Files to OneDrive
In OneDrive, you will be able to store up to 5GBs of documents for free. If this may seem small to you, they offer a premium service where will be able to increase your storage capabilities to 1 terabyte worth of files for only a small price.
You can also use this as a place of work. Writing, editing, and make a spreadsheet for free in OneDrive. All the basic Microsoft tools will be at your disposal there.
You can also sync up with other devices using OneDrive. They will be able to see you edit documents in real time with OneDrive.
11. Secure Your Files in Paragon Backup and Recovery
Paragon ensures you have no problems after a system failure. With this tool, you can customize which files it backs up. Directories, files by type or location, and backing up entire systems is no problem with Paragon.
Recovery is also possible with Paragon. It can store your files in the cloud until you have another set up going. This means that you can recover your files to use in another device.
It’s also an easy-to-use tool. Setting it up is easy with the help of the setup wizard that comes along.
12. Use iCloud
Apple users can opt to use iCloud for storage. The use of iCloud means that you’re secure from hackers using other mobile devices. This is because iCloud recognizes only the mobile device of the user who registered it first.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t access your files if you’ve lost your device, though. There are many security checks you can go through to recover your files.
You can also sync your iCloud account with a Windows device. This means you can access your files and transfer them to a desktop.
13. Cobain Backup
Many people consider this to be the most advanced backup tool available online. This is with it being a free option. This is because Cobain offers customizability to a high degree.
This means that you can schedule, archive, and compress whichever files you choose. You can do all this while Cobain backs up your files in real time.
Cobain also offers an encryption option for your saved files. With there being many online security problems, this feature offers more security for your files.
14. Cache Your Data in Dropbox
Dropbox is a favorite for most users. This is because of the choices you can make when you open an account. You have the option to choose a personal or business account.
The personal account has a free 2GB of storage space available. Meanwhile, you can opt for a business account for easy sharing with your co-workers.
Upgrading to pro increases the storage capacity for each option to 2TB. It also allows you to sync with other devices.
Choose the Best Way to Backup Data Today
With the help of this list, you can choose which way is most suitable for you to store your data. Backup data with one of these options now!
One of the main reasons people store files is because they’re moving offices. Make sure you have all the bases covered when you’re moving. Use these 10 tips for moving offices to make things easier for yourself.
