Data Backup Easier than Ever
68Data Backup Easier than Ever
Someday, when you least expect it, your computer will crash. You will pound the key board and possibly shed a tear out of frustration. The knot in your stomach will tighten, with every file that is corrupted or missing. Sure, there are services that might get them back - but how much are you willing to spend? Even then - there are no guarantees. But wait, maybe there is hope after all. Yes, now you remember, you have backup copies of those files.
If a program becomes corrupted you can re-install it. If the operating system becomes corrupted it too can be re-installed. Data files on the other hand can not as easily be restored unless you have them copied onto another digital device. The choices are many when it comes to digital backup devices.
Compact Flash cards (CF), Secure Data Cards (SD), Memory Sticks and Flash Drives are just a few of the removable digital backup devices available to you. They are all very small and compact but are able to hold a lot of data. They can be purchased in 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and even larger. The prices have decreased substantially over time
Small external hard drives are another option. Some are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand and have capacities up to 100+ GB and beyond. They have become very convenient to use, most do not even require a power supply. They are powered through their USB connections and work very well. No adapters are needed for this type of device. These devices work well on any computer and they too are well suited for a laptop
Larger external hard drives are continually growing in storage capacity. Many have capacities of 100GB and some gives you a Terabyte or more. Software is included that creates automatic backups for you which can be a real time saver. They typically have a USB connection as well as a power supply of their own. External hard drives that are not as portable work very well in an office type situation.
The best backup device is the one that you will use consistently. The one time you don't take the time will be the time you should have taken the time.
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Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive for Mac and PC SE-S084C/RSBN (Gloss Black)
Price: $45.00
List Price: $65.99 |
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Iomega Prestige 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 34275
Price: $94.99
List Price: $172.99 |
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Toshiba 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Dive HDDR500E04XL (Liquid Blue)
Price: $82.89
List Price: $129.99 |
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ASUS USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U (Black)
Price: $49.00
List Price: $69.99 |
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HP v100w 8 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive P-FD8GBHP100-EF
Price: $13.77
List Price: $36.99 |
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Seagate FreeAgent Go 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive ST902503FAA2E1-RK (Black)
Price: $64.40
List Price: $84.99 |
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Seagate 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive ST310005EXA101-RK (Black)
Price: $98.00
List Price: $115.99 |
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SanDisk 2 GB Class 2 SD Flash Memory Card SDSDB-2048-A11
Price: $3.88
List Price: $27.99 |
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Sandisk 8GB SDHC Memory Card (SDSDB-8192, Bulk Package)
Price: $12.07
List Price: $24.99 |
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Sandisk 4GB Secure Digital SD HC Memory Card (SDSDB-4096, BULK, No Reader)
Price: $7.16
List Price: $19.99 |
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Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6
Price: $16.49
List Price: $39.99 |
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Comments
Memory cards, flash drives, external hardrives all record data. It does not matter which one you use. You can backup any file format on any of these data storage devices. They all look different but they actually all do the same thing.
I've found using a stick to back up very helpful when I am away from my office for a while when I really don't want to bother with disks - then when I return to the office I back up on a disk that I store and dump the data on the stick. It is a great way to have peace of mind that what I'm working on in the field doesn't get lost.
Jason
I'm with you Jason. It is not always handy to pull out even a small backup drive when you are out and about. I carry an 8GB flash drive and my Apricorn 40GB ez bus mini with me because I use data files from a few years at a time. I always copy my data from my flash drive to the Apricorn after about a week - then after about a month I copy those files to my Maxtor at home.
May sound like over kill but I have had external drives corrupt and crash - usually when they were near full capacity.
You do have to be careful to not vioalate security policies in a business environment. These devices are very useful for personal users, but you should check with your IT and security departments if you plan to back up company data to a portable device. Some companies do not permit employees to bring MP3 players to work for this very reason.
You are exactly right. I am self employed so that does not apply to me - but I know that businesses have a difficult time securing their data. These small devices can get you in trouble if you do not follow the rules.
Excellent insights, and boy are you right about the need to back stuff up. My work computer died about 6 months ago, and did I have it backed up. HAHAHA you guessed it. NOPE!
So after about 300 hours everything is back to normal and we have recovered most of it, but there are things that were on the computer that we will never see again, much to the chagrin of my boss (my wife)












K. says:
2 years ago
Memory cards and USB flash drives hold different informatin, correct? Thanks.