DATA BACKUP
Backup is the process of making an extra copy of data and after losing files restoring them using the created copy.
Data backup is easy to do and can save you much time as well as ensure that your data is secure in case of disaster. Data recovery (retrieving data from a damaged HD with no backup done before) is a very difficult, time consuming and expensive process, and it is not even assured that you will be able to recover your data from a system crash.
Backup does not take much time, as it is easy to put your files into another storage, and is not too expensive, depending upon what media you use to backup your data. There are many different options for data backup, and you will have to choose the one that is best for you.
1. You can backup to another disk (it can be DVD, CD or, what is better from my point of view, USB flash drive).
2. Remote/Online/offline backup - storing data to a removable server or to a computer with a network connection.
Comparing these two:
1. Remote backup does not require user intervention. The user does not have to change tapes, label CDs or perform other manual steps.
2. Remote backup maintains data offsite. The most important aspect of backing up is that backups are stored in a location other than that where the original data is stored.
3. The disadvantage of offline backup is that it depends on the available network bandwidth, the restoration of data can be slow. Because data is stored offsite, it must be recovered either via the Internet or via a tape or disk shipped by the online backup service provider.
4. Another disadvantage is that backup service providers have no guarantee that stored data will be kept private.
5. Even pricing model is different:
Cost of Offline/online backup service depends on:
- The total amount of data being backed up.
- The number of machines covered by the backup service.
- The maximum number of versions of each file that are kept.
There is an opportunity to backup your data free:
1. Using a Windows built-in utility
It’s great for local needs. Just backup the most important files and burn them to the CD (or any other removable disk).
But it doesn’t have incremental or differential backup features. So, you’ll have to do full backup every time.
2. Free/shareware software
Honestly, I’ve never seen one glad with using freeware.
All-in-all it’s quite difficult to advise you anything. It depends on circumstances under which you need to backup data.
There are two most popular pieces of software today on the market:
2. Norton Ghost
The difference is that True Image can protect your applications, restoring all the settings for Microsoft Office, iTunes, Media Player or any other popular applications, as well as can boot computer even if the operating system has failed.
But ghost doesn’t provide these services
Prices:
ATI - 49.99$
Ghost - 69.99$