My Computer Guy 20412 32nd Dr SE, Bothell, WA 98012, (425)893-9609, http://www.my-computer-guy.com

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Bellevue, Bothell, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Redmond, Woodinville, WA 425.893-9609
 20412 32nd Dr SE, Bothell, WA 98012 (MAP IT)

Serving your home or office needs for computers, networking, repair, support and training.

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Backup Your Data

 

What methods are used for backing up data?

Tough question? Hard drives fail, computers get stolen, viruses destroy data and catastrophes can happen. Backing up your important data is an inexpensive form of insurance. Computers and applications can be replaced. Most data (documents, photographs, financial data, music, etc.) cannot be replaced. Good backup procedures include the following:

  1. Backup often. (How much new stuff can you afford to lose?)
  2. Use automatic backup if possible. (Because we tend to forget.)
  3. Store backups off site. (Odds are against a catastrophe from happening in two places.)
  4. Use more than one method. (Sometimes backups fail.)

What data needs to be backed up?

Most people need to back up the following:

  1. Documents, Desktop, Favorites, Pictures, Music, and Videos folder for each user. Typically stored in "C:\Users\user name."
  2. Financial data including Quicken or QuickBooks Typically stored in "C:\Users\user name." Quickbooks is now online or stored in the Public folder by default.
  3. Email unless using web-based email such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL or Gmail. Outlook is typically stored in "C:\Users\user name\Documents\Outlook Files."
  4. Possibly "Public" if that folder is used for data.
  5. Any other data that you may need.

Some other programs may store data in their own folder or some other folder. Make sure you know where the data is stored or it won’t get backed up.

What methods are available to use?

From the most to the least expensive, these are the best choices:

  1. Backup to online storage such as Carbonite.com. Only $89/year per computer.
  2. Flash memory stick. (2 are needed to keep one off-site.) Windows Backup is free and can be used to backup automatically. This will work if your flash drive can hold all your data.
  3. External Hard drives (2 are needed to keep one off-site.) Windows Backup is free and can be used to backup automatically.
  4. If you use Microsoft 365, set up One Drive and make sure all your data is stored there. (Not technically a backup, but is better than nothing.)
  5. Backup to another computer on your home or business network.

Occasionally test the backups to make sure they are working. You should use any combination of two of these as the best practice. Remember, backups can fail, too.

If you need any help with this or other computer issues, please feel free to call me.

 

Most computer problems are a result of poor security practices!

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