Standalone Computer Backups

A Backup Article Contributed by Ashley Lister

Standalone Computer Backups

Performing a backup on a standalone computer is probably one of the most sensible things a user can do to ensure that data remains safe and secure.

Computer Backups are Necessary.

There are too many things that can, and do, go wrong with computers for users to leave backups to chance. Not only is there the ever present risk of fire, flood and other acts of God. Computers are prone to wear and tear that can prove disastrous to the information they hold. Computers are also susceptible to virus attacks, the vagaries of malicious users and the calamities of our own accidents.

Many people delete files, acknowledge the confirmation that they are deleting a file, and it is only then that they realize which file they have deleted. And, all too often it is only after a catastrophe that people realize they should have been doing a backup and they then curse themselves for the oversight.

Computer Backups are Easy.

There is no great difficulty in performing a computer backup. The majority of windows operating systems are supplied with backup software that is user friendly and as comprehensive as is required.

Found in PROGRAMS and then ACCESSORIES from the START MENU, the integrated backup software is an intuitive program that asks a couple of questions to start with (do you want to backup or restore? if you want to want backup, do you want to perform a full system backup? if you only want to do a partial backup, which files do you wish to backup? ) and from there the computer takes care of the rest of the program itself.

Backups can be made to a variety of media, from floppy discs through optical discs including tape drives. Nowadays, there is also the chance to backup to a remote location, although this would not be an option for the computer that is truly a standalone.

The main requirement for backup media on a standalone machine is that it should be appropriate for the job. There is little sense having a server attached that can backup up to a million tetrabytes of information when a single floppy disc would be able to safely copy all the information required.

Similarly, if you are operating a machine with a vast amount of memory and a wealth of valuable information on its hard drive, there is no point trying to backup gigabytes of information on several hundred floppy discs. The sales staff who supply backup hardware will be able to best advise on the type of media most appropriate for the needs if each computer user.

It is also possible to use software other than that supplied with the windows operating system. For those who prefer a different range of possibilities, from a chance to alter the compression ratio, to a modified interface that allows the computer user more scope to make effective decisions about the backup, there are a variety of choices out there.

Computer Backups are Important.

Make a computer backup part of your daily regime and you will always be prepared for the worst technological eventualities.