Have you ever thought about the amount of data your are currently storing on your computer? Imagine if you couldn't access the data on your computer anymore because of an accident. Would you then miss the data you have just lost?
Many never think about backing up their data. With the amount of information that we now store on our computers, backing up our data should become a priority. Sadly, most only think about making copies of their files after they have lost something. Those that do backup their files, usually store them locally, or in other words, in the same location as their computer. If that location was to be damaged, or destroyed in some way, all their data, including their backups, would be lost.
To avoid losing all your files, it is important to not only
backup your data, but also to move the copies offsite. What I mean is to physically move your data to another location, away from the original data on your computer.
While this may sound complex, it really isn't. Let's look at a few methods you can use to keep copies of your data offsite.
The first is to simply burn your data onto optical discs, such as a CD or DVD. All computers sold today include a disc burner that you can use to copy files onto a CD or DVD. CD or DVD discs are also only a few cents each, so they are inexpensive. They are also known as removable media, meaning that they can be removed from the computer and store elsewhere. In this case you can store them in another location, such as a friend or relative's house or at work. Doing so will allow you to store your data offsite.
A new method of storing files is with a USB flash drive. While more expensive than a CD or DVD disc, flash drives can hold a lot more data. They continuously increase in both speed and size with each passing year and can be found in any store that sells computer components. Their small size makes them easy to carry around and they don't take a lot of space for storage. Depending on the amount of data you need to backup, a USB flash drive may suit your needs.
A third option is one that many don't think about -
online data backup. This is a new way of protecting your data that has been increasing in popularity. I currently backup my data online for several reasons: my data is automatically protected offsite, and the data backup is automatic. Disk storage space is a moot point since my online backup provider offers unlimited space for less than $5 a month. I currently have backed up over 160 GB of data.
If you are serious about keep your files safe and secure, you must think about not only backing up your data, but also backing it up offsite. Three options were provided above that should help you keep your data for a very long time, or until you need it.
