Backup and Recover Your Data
Most computer users think that once their documents are saved, they will forever be safe on their PCs.
This is just a myth.
The truth of the matter is that no data can be safe forever.
That is why there is the need for constant backup of all important information on your PC.
Here are some ways by which you can lose data from your PC: Hardware problem Some of your hardware can get damaged and that will mean losing all the data on it.
The hard drive is one of the storage media.
Hard drives are created by a human being; therefore, they have a lifespan.
They can also be affected by many things such as heat and humidity.
If the hard drives fail and your data will be lost.
For you to recover your data, you must be a backup your system regularly.
Software problem Sometimes whole operating systems crash.
This could be that the operating system was not well installed or as a result of malware.
A crashed computer carry along many of your valuable documents.
You can only recover them when you have backup copies.
Loss of PC The whole PC could be lost through fire, theft or damage.
Those who rely on laptops should be aware of some of these.
Laptops can easily be stolen.
There are many stories of fallen laptops that would no longer work.
Backup is important under such circumstances.
Ways of backing up Use the tools in your OS The first way is to use the backup tools in your operation system to save all your important data.
Most of us don't know that there is any option on the PC itself for backups.
Users of Windows can find the backup option by clicking on "start" and pointing at "programs", "accessories", "system tools" and finally back up.
Then you can use the backup wizard to backup all your files and settings.
The process is easy.
You can just click "next" each time until you get to finish.
Then these files and settings will be available for use the day something bad happens.
Other software In addition to this, there are other some special software programs that you can use to conveniently back up your data.
You can get some of these online and some for free, or free versions.
The problem that might arise is that you will need those programs in order to open your backups in some cases.
External media You can also backup your data on external media such as CD, DVD, flash drives and on your server.
It is for that reason that these media are created.
When was the last time you copied your critical files on any of these media? Most modern PCs come with either a CD or DVD writer.
Learn to use these to create backups.
You may need them one day.
Hard copies One other way of backing up your documents, especially word documents and spreadsheets are to have a hard copy.
This might sound very old fashioned.
But hard copies are safer than any other copy.
There are certain risks that cannot be associated with hard copies.
For example, you can't lose your printed documents as a result of viruses and other malware.
That is why companies still keep hard copies of their contracts and agreements.