Deciding Where to Keep Your Backup Data

This is the 2nd part of the topic of discussion regarding backing up your data files. The first article was "How to Choose Data Files to Backup".

Where do you want to store your data?

The common answers to this question include:

• Online storage
  

• Disc (CD or DVD)


• USB external hard drive.

Each of these options has its own pros and cons. If you're not sure which option is best for you, try answering the following questions:

How quickly do you want to retrieve your data in the event of data loss?

If your data files are critical to your work and recovering it quickly is important, then backing up data onto a disc or an external hard drive would be a good option.

Restoring data from an online service will only occur as fast as your Internet connection speed allows you to go.

Do you have a high speed Internet connection (DSL or Cable Internet)?

If not, eliminate online storage from your list of choices.

Do you want to use data backup software to help automate the process?

All 3 options can provide software, but not all software is user friendly.

Your data backup solution will only be as good (and reliable) as the software you use.

If you struggle to use the software, you'll worry about the reliability of your backup procedure and wonder if your data is backed up properly.

How much data do you want to back up?

If you have a small amount of data to backup, all 3 options are available to you.

Large amounts of data should eliminate CD storage from your list of choices. It isn't the best choice if you cannot fit your data onto one CD.

Large amounts of data may also make you think twice about using online storage as a backup too.

With these questions answered, you should be ready to proceed to the next article, which poses the question: How often do you Want to Backup Your Data?

Read the following articles for further information:

"Backup and Restore Your PC: Where to Store a Backup" (includes a nice table of info, including risk of loss)

"Backup Tips: Keep Your Data Backups Safe, Simple and Fast"

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