Many times it happens that we think that we don’t need to make backups because we don’t navigate to potentially dangerous sites so that our data is hacked. This, in the beginning is correct. Since the main factors of loss of information in the files are the virus and cyber attacks.
But what we don’t think about carefully is that not only can we lose important information through these situations, but many times a technical fatality can occur in our team. In this way , we will have as a result not being able to access the data that we did not have protected.
Because of this, it is advisable to perform a backup periodically. We will show you how to proceed with this issue.
Index:
What is a backup or backup and what is it for ?
The backup that is made of the important information we have is called a backup. All files, documents, software, images, videos , database , contacts and emails that we consider important, we can protect them in a different place from which they find engravings at the beginning.
This technique is used to not only protect the data that we consider important, but also to access them against adverse situations. Among these is the theft or loss of our mobile device; the computer has a fault and it is necessary to reinstall the operating system; We have to share confidential information and we do not know how the other person will treat you; etc.
There are different tools to make a backup or backup, within which we can name a pendrive, removable hard disk or directly in the cloud, such as Google’s Drive or OneDrive from Microsoft . In addition, there are different techniques to extract and save data.
The data backup process is complemented by the restoration process. The procedure consists in relocating the necessary data that we want to incorporate back into the originals. Either partially or completely and dock them back in the storage unit that were the originals or anywhere else the user chooses.
Why is it important to make a periodic backup? are the risks of not doing it?
When we make a backup, we are assured that the data that interests us is backed up in a safe place. So, for any computer, natural or personal catastrophe that exists, we will know that we will have the files copied somewhere from which we can recover it.
In addition, making a backup allows access to a change control of the protected data. Since many times we have to recover blocks that were accidentally deleted, or also when the modifications that were made were not what we expected for the result of the work.
We can share the highlighted data without any problems or limitations , since we will know that we have a backup of them. This is important because of the doubts the person to whom we deliver this data makes modifications without our knowing, losing or damaging them.
We will be calm when we make a backup in those situations where a virus enters our computer. This way, we won’t have to worry because the most important data we need is stored in a safe place.
What are the most commonly used methods to make backups and safeguard your digital files?
As we talked about before, there are different methods that we can use to make a backup.
Next, we will talk about each one of them so you can consider what are the most important advantages they have:
USB memories
Perhaps the most common and chosen by users is this type of storage. This is because through a memory via USB we can transport the records in a practical and reliable way . To do this, we must take into account not to introduce the Pen Drive on any computer, to which we have no confidence or before doing this, let’s run the antivirus.
The great advantage of having a backup in this kind of memory is that any computer has a USB input and the size of the device is reduced. To take into account when using method is precisely its volume and low weight, since many times we can lose it , without us noticing.
The cloud
Something we had talked about before. One of the most practical places is to save in the cloud all the backup copies of the important data that we have on our computer or mobile device. Among the most prominent platforms, we can name Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, pCloud, Amazon Drive, Dropbox and Apple iCloud .
The most important advantage we can mention in this method is that it is not necessary to transfer. We simply access from anywhere with an Internet connection. Among the disadvantages, we could mention the limited storage capacity and to access a larger number of GB will have to pay a few euros. Also, is more vulnerable to being hacked if they can access our password .
Optical disks
This type of storage unit is used for the capacity and fidelity it has to save important data. Although there are different storage sizes, from a CD to a Blu-Ray disc with 25 MB , nowadays users’ preference has put aside this method a bit.
Much of this is due to its size and the absence of optical disc reader recorders in different devices.
SSDs
These solid state disks have the great advantage of storing much more than other technologies, can accommodate up to 4 TB . It is ideal for storing large and very important files, as it is shock resistant and has a high write speed.
Among other advantages, we can mention the little sound it makes when it works and also the efficiency of its operation. But if we have to name the disadvantages we can mention its useful life and price , the latter being an important condition when choosing this kind of computer tools.
Flash memories
This memory is one of the most used today, along with the Pen Drive. The SD memory cards have considerable advantages over other storage devices. This is because they can be incorporated into a mobile device and be able to make backup copies without having to add any other accessories.
It has a much larger storage capacity than other technologies have. But it presents as disadvantage its fragility and smallness since they are not too versatile and with the manipulation they break frequently.
Our PC’s hard disk h3>
We can make a backup on the same hard disk that we have the original data. To do this, it will be necessary to partition it in order to save the backup in the new part of the hard disk, without it having access to Internet .
This has a great advantage, and is not to spend money because you can configure the partition of a disk in a very simple way. As a disadvantage, we can name that, to perform this type of storage it is necessary to have a disk with a lot of capacity, so it is not cheap.
In addition, we are in danger of breaking this hard disk or a virus enters the party that is authorized to access the Internet. In this way, all the hardware will be broken, so we will lose not only the original data but also the backup copies.
FTP server
One of the great options we have is to make backups and save them on servers specially designed for this . As we will see in detail later, where we analyze the best tools, there are companies that provide their storage capacity so that we can access remotely and save our files in a very simple way.
An example of this is the “BackWPup WordPress Backup” plugin. Which is widely used in people who work with web pages. Among the most important advantages we can mention is the possibility of accessing the server from anywhere with Internet access .
While it is true that many of these services are free, there are others for which you have to be willing to pay some euros in the year to access greater storage capacities.
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Mobile Device
As with a partitioned disk on our computer, we can also make a backup of the most important information we have on our mobile . As you can imagine, you will not have to pay anything to access this backup tool, since you can perform this task by downloading free apps that will do it automatically.
As a disadvantage, we can mention the case that you lose your mobile and the intruder who finds your phone can easily access your data and the protection of their files. So many times this option is not highly recommended.
What are the most important aspects to consider before make a backup?
Before making a backup we must keep in mind different aspects for the backup to be successful.
Next we will name the most important:
The first thing we have to do is decide what files we will save . This is necessary to keep in mind since, if we back up any kind of files, we will quickly deplete the storage capacity of the destination unit. So we will have to have a strategy to save those that are really necessary and effective.
Many users choose to protect those files that have produced changes or make a backup for the data block to which they belong directly. You can also consider making a backup of the most modern versions and that is integrated into the computer medium.
Once it has been established what data or files will be backed up, it is convenient to determine their storage device . To do this, we will have to study the capacity it has and the versatility it offers in certain changes, both computer or physical.
Keep in mind that the backup must be performed on all data. Then, the question will be: What happens to those documents that are in use? , since the files will be open and a compatibility or operation error may occur.
In these cases, it is convenient to make the backup for a specific moment or to the files that are not locked. This will allow, if there is a computer catastrophe, to lose a very small part of data. Which can be restored manually.
One of the most prominent issues and that many users do not take into account that is the manipulation that the data will have once the backup has been done . For that, it is necessary to have a correct understanding of them and then keep it in a place where it has a safeguard of natural and physical contingencies.
Also, keep in mind that this backup data should not be duplicated, so you have to have quick access to each of the backups to avoid having twice the same copies > and thus save space in storage capacity.
You must plan the schedule and the person destined to perform this task on a daily basis. This is necessary to have a chain of trust that can validate the backups and be able to access them without any inconvenience.
Within the planning and administration system, we must include that there must be a procedure that alerts us when a backup could not be made.
Finally, we have to analyze before making a backup, the software we will use for that purpose . This is necessary since much will depend on the encryption of the data so that, at the time of restoration, the backup is compatible with the encoded data.
List of the best programs to back up on Windows desktop and Mac
Next, we will show you the best programs that you can use to backup your Windows or MacOS PC:
Amanda
With this open source tool that is available, not only for Windows but also for Linux , you can make a backup copy of the most important files you have on your computer. To do this, you must install this software for free and you can access a varied platform that will provide you with the protection of your data.
In addition, it will include a dashboard that will help you diagnose by date each backup you make.
It is designed for the user with basic knowledge, so it has intuitive controls that allow you to perform the scheduled task very easily . In addition, of the periodic operations, you will be able to control their implementation through a calendar. Its version is free.
Download Amanda Linux
Backup Maker
With this tool you can backup, not only on local devices but also that you can run it with remote access to different servers . It has an intelligent programmer and does not require much space for installation. In addition, it gives the user the possibility to access their file browser in a simple way and be able to see at once if the backup is done correctly.
This program is very intuitive and is available for Windows operating systems. It supports FTP servers and its version is free for the first 30 days, then you must pay for a professional edition € 25.
Download Backup Maker Windows
Backblaze.com
This is a backup software that allows you to run a backup for your Mac . With this program you can do all the automatic transfer of your backup and save it in Dropbox , which you will access from any side, even if you cannot enter with your MacOS computer. Backblaze allows you to have a weekly schedule, this will help you not forget your computer security.