Help Desk Backup Concepts and Strategies

Backing up Your Computer Files

What is backing up? | Why should you backup? | How do you backup? | When should you backup?
Windows Backup Strategies | Macintosh Backup Strategies

What is backing up?

Backing up your computer files means to copy and store your work in a safe alternative location. There are many different ways to go about backing up your files. Some prefer to save their files to a disk while others may transfer their files to a network drive. Whatever direction you go the concept remains the same. Having a backup copy of your most important files or all of your files is safe computing.

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Why should you back up?

Information stored on a computer (i.e., data files) is easily damaged. A few moments can destroy all the documents, spreadsheets, presentations, ..., that you have created over the years. If this happens and you don't have the data backed up you will need to recreate them from scratch or do without. All storage media (hard disks, floppy disks, zip disks, ...) can physically fail or be damaged by, among other things, viruses or power outages. You should assume you will eventually lose some important file stored on your computer.

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How do you back up?

To backup your files you simply copy your files to another hard drive, floppy disk, zip disk, compact disk (CD), or use a local area network (LAN) file storage. This can be easy or very complicated depending upon how you have organized your files. Good file organization is essential in your backup strategy. Once you are organized you can either manually backup your files or you can setup an automatic backup.

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When should you back up?

If you have yet to back up your files you should do so immediately. Then, you should backup as often as you feel it is necessary. One way to look at it is to ask yourself these two questions, "If my computer crashes and I lose my files am I willing to start over with my last backup?" and "How much time would I lose if I had to start over with my last back up?" For some, backing up everyday is necessary while for others backing up once every two weeks works fine.

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Are you ready to learn how to back up your files?

Back up strategies are slightly different for PC Windows and Apple computers. If you know which operating system you are using then select that option below. If not, find out from your friendly local Information Technology consultant.

Back up in Microsoft Windows

Back up on the Macintosh

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Last Modified: 27 Jan 2004
doit@sfsu.edu

What is backing up?
	Backing up your computer files means to copy and store your work in a safe alternative location. There are many different ways to go about backing up your files. Some prefer to save their files to a disk while others may transfer their files to a network drive. Whatever direction you go the concept remains the same. Having a backup copy of your most important files or all of your files is safe computing.
	TOP OF PAGE

Why should you back up?
	Information stored on a computer (i.e., data files) is easily damaged. A few moments can destroy all the documents, spreadsheets, presentations, ..., that you have created over the years. If this happens and you don't have the data backed up you will need to recreate them from scratch or do without. All storage media (hard disks, floppy disks, zip disks, ...) can physically fail or be damaged by, among other things, viruses or power outages. You should assume you will eventually lose some important file stored on your computer.
	TOP OF PAGE

How do you back up?
	To backup your files you simply copy your files to another hard drive, floppy disk, zip disk, compact disk (CD), or use a local area network (LAN) file storage. This can be easy or very complicated depending upon how you have organized your files. Good file organization is essential in your backup strategy. Once you are organized you can either manually backup your files or you can setup an automatic backup.
	TOP OF PAGE

When should you back up?
	If you have yet to back up your files you should do so immediately. Then, you should backup as often as you feel it is necessary. One way to look at it is to ask yourself these two questions, "If my computer crashes and I lose my files am I willing to start over with my last backup?" and "How much time would I lose if I had to start over with my last back up?" For some, backing up everyday is necessary while for others backing up once every two weeks works fine.
	TOP OF PAGE

Are you ready to learn how to back up your files?
	Back up strategies are slightly different for PC Windows and Apple computers. If you know which operating system you are using then select that option below. If not, find out from your friendly local Information Technology consultant. Back up in Microsoft Windows Back up on the Macintosh
	TOP OF PAGE