DVD Backup Basics

A Backup Article Contributed by Melissa Larose

DVD Backup Basics

DVD backup has an interesting reputation. It is perceived as only being a backup media or even a primary media for entertainment and movies. Making copies of DVD based movies has a bit of a renegade status in and of itself. It is a questionable venture to go past making just a copy for yourself. But aside from all of that, the use of DVD as a data backup media is usually completely overlooked.

DVD Backup Basic

While it is true using a DVD to backup data can be a daunting experience, it truly does not have to be so. With the right software it can happen much more easily than one would think.

Data backup is a necessary part of protecting your data and making it available in case of a need for recovery. The need for recovery can happen due to a hard drive failure, software failure, natural disaster, such as a storm that causes an electrical outage and consequently fires your machine, or just plain human error, like deleting your recycle bin and realizing you just deleted a file you need desperately.

DVD data backup on a routine basis is a smart move whether you are a big business, small business, home business, or an individual with lots to lose located on your hard drive. Using a DVD for backup instead of a CD or floppy disk can save you some cash.

DVD Backup Requires Software

DVD backup does require the correct software. There are file structure issues between your operating system and a DVD that need assistance in order to resolve. A DVD backup software program can provide that assistance for you. Writing to that DVD writer without the software can be a little complicated. The software helps.

Some DVD backup software can also allow for automatic updates of your backup. By leaving a DVD in the drive and scheduling a time for a backup, your DVD software will automatically write your backup data to the DVD. Of course, you have to remember to leave that computer up and running for this to be accomplished correctly.

Writing to a DVD with the correct software can mean being able to backup email, your Internet favorites as well as your whole system. This would include your system files and software. Compression of your files can mean more of your information can be stored on the DVD. Most of the software on the market will give you the option to compress before copying. If compression is used properly you will be able to put almost 10 gigabyte of data on to that DVD, pretty impressive.

This saves on storage space and cost of the media. What takes several CD's to hold can take only one DVD to accomplish a backup.

DVD Backup Tips

DVD disks require a bit of care that you need to be aware of. They need to be handled in a similar manner to CD's in that they should always be held by the edges and the center of the disk. Putting your paw prints all over them runs the risk of damaging the DVD and the data you've taken the time to backup.