There are 5 questions you must ask when considering Computer Backup Software. Computer backup software using your existing computer system can be a good solution for people with up to 4 computers and for personal use. If you have more than 4 computers or you are using them for business you really should be looking at other solutions like a Data Backup Server

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking at Computer Backup Software solutions.

1. Will your existing PC equipment cope with the extra data that will be generated?
2. Do you have a way of storing your backup off site?
3. What files and folders you are going to backup?
4. Think carefully about what you will need to do if one of you PC's dies?
5. Do you have a mix of PC's Macs and Linux Unix workstations?

Let say your main computer dies.The hard disk is trashed. Firstly ,you have to install the operating system and all the programs.Do you remember all the software you had installed on this computer?

Often its not as easy as you think and I have been in this position several times.

Guess what even if your super organised you've already lost 2 to 3 days, if not a week.

How can that be? Here's why. It take about 2 days to rebuild a computer,if you have every thing at your finger tips. If you like m,then it goes something like this.

Where are those Software CD's filed?

Wow this program is so old I don't even know if I still have a copy. Oh, I remember now, its safely filed with all the other software. So I'll just go and get it.

Oh, I remember now, I lent to Bob to have a look at. I hope I have his number and I hope he did not throw it out. If not, I will have to call the publisher and hope they still support that version.

So after 3 or 4 days you finally get your crashed machine back they way it should be, then you find the latest backup you did with your snazzy computer backup software.But there is a problem. When was the last time you did one? Phew! A week ago. Ok that's not too bad. Only 5 days transaction to re-enter. Sigh

So you try and load it in.

Whoops! There is another problem, see that directory there, that's the one I really need.and its not there. Damn, I forgot to check the check box. It has not been backed for six months. (*&^**D*

That's when you get that really bad, horrible sick, sinking feeling in your gut.

If you are using your computer for personal use then the only files you are really worried about are your email files, photos, play lists, and your personal finance software and spreadsheets.

You may only need to back these once a week, and you probably do not need to keep a history of changes.

It also probalby does not matter that much if you don't get to use your computer for a few days while you get it back up and running.

If you are in this category then the online backup services are a good option. This is because you don't have that much data you need to keep safe so the cost are small. Lots of online services will store 1 to 2 gb for free.

If you use your computers for business then I think you have a much bigger problem. Often you have you accounting programs, customer info and other stuff you need to run your business.

If you don't have these backed up every day then you have to ask how much is it going to hurt my business if I lose this stuff. If the answer is a lot you may need to check other backup options.

If you are using Computer Backup Software then you need to have extra had disk storage to store your backups. Some Computer Backup software use clever compression techniques to shrink down the amount of data.

You will need to get an extra hard disk to back you data up on. Its better if its removable because you can keep a copy at friend or relatives house. Also if it fails you can just buy another hard disk to replace it.