The Greatest Backup on Earth
The Greatest Backup on Earth by Richard Tausch
“What is the best way to backup my files?”
Most of you have asked this question. Hopefully you received a satisfactory answer before it was too late.
I consistently receive inquiries from customers about external hard drives or CD/DVD backup solutions. While an external drive has many uses, and in some cases CD’s and DVD’s do as well, what happens if you forget to take your DVD with you, or your computer is stolen, or, worse yet, your house is broken into or burns down?
While that may sound dramatic, it is a vivid reality in Southern California. The fact is, every day our growing files take on greater and greater importance, and, for most part, they are utterly irreplaceable. Because of changing technologies, USB flash drives (such as those carried on key chains) have become a better backup choice than a CD/DVD or any number of external drives. Size (4, 8, 16 gigabyte) and price ($25 and up) make the USB flash drive a perfect solution for a number of reasons. But are they secure? Some are….
The problem with designating your CD/DVD or an external drive as your primary backup device is simply that they are susceptible to the effects of natural disasters and theft. In this type of a backup situation your data could be compromised or gone.
Online backup solutions are not always speedy or practical, especially if you are not online at the time you need to access the data. Enter the USB Flash Drive:
• Like a MasterCard, it goes everywhere you do. It is on your keychain or in your purse.
• It is far less likely to be stolen if you carry it with you .
• If there is a disaster, it would not be affected because it would most likely be with you.
• You can access your files on almost any computer.
• You can use free file sync programs like AllwaySync (allwaysync.com) to sync the flash drive with your “My Documents” folder on your computer.
• You can even use free encryption software for protection or buy a drive that comes with built-in encryption. With the built-in encryption you turn on the security feature and enter a password twice, and only once after that each time you access the device. If you lose it, no one can access it without exercising extreme measures.
• It will hold all of your important files. Most people don’t have 8 gigabytes of data, but even if they did, these drives cost roughly $20 for 8 gigabytes. That is most likely PLENTY of space for everything in your “My Documents” folder. It is best to buy one of the 16 GIG varieties because they will allow for future growth. Cost is roughly $30 new. My personal preference is the SanDisk Cruzer Micro because it has password protection.
• Backup software such as AllwaySync is simple to use. It has one-button synchronization that transfers data from your My Documents or other folder to the USB drive within minutes. It is recommended that you perform this sync weekly.
Here’s to happy backups,
Richard Tausch
General Disclaimer
CCAR does not guarantee the reliability or quality of any of the products, links, software, or hardware of the vendors mentioned in CCAR Help Blog articles. Nor do we have a vested interest in any of those entities whatsoever. You hereby acknowledge that any reliance upon or use of any of the aforementioned shall be at your sole risk. CCAR reserves the right, in its sole discretion and without any obligation, to make improvements to, or correct any error or omissions in any portion of the information presented on this site.
