A backup is a copy of a file that is stored in a separate location from the original. Backing up files on your computer helps to protect them from being permanently lost or changed in the event of a virus attack. Also, you can rely on the backup data to recover files when accidents happen.
Important files to backup
- Emails
- Class related documents
- Important departmental documents
- Personal pictures
- Personal music collections
- Software drivers and patches you download
- Personalized settings
- Web browser bookmarks
Common options for backup
Type
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Pros
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Cons
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Other Information
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External Hard Drive
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Online File Storage
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USB Flash Drives
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CDs and DVDs
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Backup interval
How often you back up your files depends on the number of files you create or edit and how often you access them. If you use your computer frequently and save a lot of files, then back them up often. You can also schedule an automatic backup so you do not have to manually backup files. You can choose to have your files backed up daily, weekly or monthly. Also, you can always backup manually between the automatic backups.
Updated: 7/20/2021