Computer, Tablet, and Smartphone Backups - Print Article

Tech Talk
By Steve Battiato
IndyTeleData owner

Computer, Tablet, and SmartPhone Backups

If you are backing up on a floppy disk, iOmega drives, magnetic tape, or even USB sticks, please continue reading.  Don’t trust your once in a lifetime vacation pictures or important documents to a USB stick that costs 10 cents to make in a third world country.

Our electronic devices hold many important files for our homes and businesses.  It is our homework, checkbooks, pictures, movies, and songs.  It is also our client list, patient information, legal documents, and contracts. There are many risks including hardware failure, pesky viruses, and environmental issues.  Don’t be a victim of lost files.  Make certain that all files are backed up.  

When considering a backup solution there are many considerations.  Your solution should be automated.  Daily backups are best, hourly are impressive.  Backups that store files away, especially offsite from the original computer, are recommended.  Should you have a local environmental issue such as fire, water, or smoke damage, an offsite backup is your only source of protection.  Many will purchase a large external hard drive and leave it plugged into the original computer all the time so that backups can be automated.  Unfortunately, when there is a local issue, both the computer and hard drive are often unusable leaving you without your data or hardware.

Backups should be considered for your computers, tablets, and smartphones.  There are many options when considering backups for Windows and MacIntosh computers including Mozy, iBackup, and Carbonite.  Galaxy Tablets can be backed up with third party software.  iCloud is a free service from Apple can be used to automatically backup Apple iPads, iPods, and iPhones.  Other smartphone users may have a variety of options including a SIM card, online via your service provider, or via third-party applications.  

With all this being said, backups are interesting, but restores are priceless.  Take time to research different backup solutions for your technology.  Make sure it has the capabilities you want at a price that is reasonable to you. Finally, after investing in a backup solution, make certain that you test your ability to restore files on a regular basis.  

For more information on good backup solutions and great restore solutions visit our website at www.southsidervoice.com/techtalk   

Geek trivia: World backup day is celebrated March 31st each year.