One of the worst things that can happen to our computer is for data to become inaccessible. This can happen for many reasons, from power failure to storage damage in the equipment. Corrupted data is data that suddenly becomes unusable. Whether it’s memorable photos or classified files, backing up data is very necessary nowadays.
Backing up for the first time may take a little longer. But as you do it regularly, it can become a fairly simple task. Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s leading independent memory products manufacturer, shares some simple but effective system backup tips.
- Decide which data needs to be backed up
This is the first step. Data can be work or personal files, such as photos, videos, and documents that, if damaged, could be impossible to replace. There’s also the option to back up applications, programs, and system settings you want to keep a version of. This is important because if something happens to the system, you’ll have an up-to-date version at hand.
- Planning
To have up-to-date versions of your files, good planning is essential. For personal files, the frequency can be less regular due to the lower volume of data created per month. If you need to back up work files, you should update more frequently. Depending on the workload, a daily or weekly backup is recommended.
- Don’t limit yourself to just cloud backup
The cloud is probably one of the easiest ways to back up data, especially from phones and computer systems. This system can be automated, making it easy for the user. However, it shouldn’t be the only option. Cloud storage companies can be hacked, and account conditions and agreements can change more frequently, which could put saved files at risk. Also, a monthly subscription can be more expensive than buying an external storage device.
- Automation
Automatic backups require minimal effort, which is incredibly useful today. It’s easy to set up in the cloud, and you can choose how often you want files to be updated. This option is also available on external storage devices through programs like Windows® Backup/File History and macOS® Time Machine. To find it, type ‘backup’ in the search bar and follow the instructions.
- 3-2-1 Backup Rule
This rule is based on the theory that you should have three copies of important files. Store two copies on different devices (either cloud or external storage) and one copy in a secure location, such as a safe or offsite. For some, this may sound a bit excessive, but you’ll be grateful if something happens to your backups.
- Choosing the right external drive
When choosing the right external device for backups, consider not only capacity but also durability and speed. External hard drives (HDDs) are a good-priced option for large amounts of data and can be fast, but if dropped or lost, their interior can be damaged, potentially making some data impossible to recover.
External solid-state drives (SSDs) are slightly more expensive than HDDs, but worth buying if you want to invest a bit more. They are more durable, faster, and usually much smaller than hard drives, making them more portable. The Kingston XS2000 USB-C external SSD is an excellent option for personal or work backups, with read speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, write speeds of 2,000 MB/s*, and capacities from 500 GB to 2 TB**—there’s a specification to suit every user’s needs. It’s a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 that reduces wait time for transferring data from one device to another.
If you need a more secure device to protect confidential files, the Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 external SSD is FIPS 197 certified with XTS-AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption. The color touchscreen allows for multiple password options (Admin and User) to ensure your data is always protected.
If buying an SSD isn’t an option, Kingston also offers a wide range of storage options to meet all kinds of needs, such as USB flash drives, SD cards, and microSD cards. Reliable storage for personal photos, music, videos, and documents that keeps files safe and accessible. For more information, click here.
By choosing the right storage and following these simple tips, backup processes will be very easy.
