The Importance of Disk Backup
A Backup Article Contributed by Diana L.M.I. Dawson
The Necessity of Disk Backup
If you're in the habit of not providing disk backup for your computer files, now's the time to change your approach to the way you handle your daily work. Disk backup is every bit as critical as the work itself. Let's suppose, for example, you just finished a project that required 20 hours' worth of work on your part. If the file or files that contain the data for that project become corrupt, or if the computer crashes due to a virus or other malfunction, your work is lost and, most likely, irretrievable. Establishing a daily plan utilizing disk backup of your work will avoid that problem.
Should I Use a Backup Disk at Work and at Home?
Generally speaking, your company's System Administrator will run a backup of everyone's work on a daily basis (timeframes may vary among companies). This, however, is separate from creating your own backup disk.
If you lose a file on your computer at work and need to have that information retrieved, your administrator may not be able to access the lost information as quickly as you need it and, in many cases, will not be able to access any work that you've done on that day, since backup is only run at the end of the business day. Therefore, only information that was included in the previous day's backup will be available. Of course, the same is true for any work that you're doing at home.
Since you have no administrator for your home computer, the only hope of saving critical information is to format and utilize your own backup disk.
The lesson to be learned? If you're smart, you'll keep a separate backup disk of those files that are particularly important to you in the workplace. Again, if you've just completed a major project and can't afford to lose it if something should go wrong with the system, be sure to have a backup disk handy so that you can keep a copy of your work in more than one place.
How to Store Backup Disks
Any disks that you'll need to use - whether backups or not - should be stored in a closed non-metal container (plastic is best) and kept in a climate controlled area. Disks should never be stored in an area with a high heat index, nor should they be placed in an area with frigid temperatures. In extreme heat or cold, the disk may be damaged and rendered useless. Be sure that the container has a lid, so that disks are kept free from dust.
Disks should also be copied occasionally, since they will eventually wear out, denying access to the information that's contained within. Just as a record or tape can become worn out, so can a disk. Regular upkeep is the only way to ensure that your disks will remain "healthy" and intact. As in the case of file loss due to the lack of a backup disk, data can also be lost due to a damaged or worn disk.
By following these few simple steps, you'll eliminate much of the lost time and frustration that occurs when a good backup disk plan has not been implemented.
