Data backup software

Can you afford to lose all the data stored on your computer? If not, you need to back up. Holding one or two extra copies of key files ensures that you’ll never lose them - even if your computer breaks or gets destroyed beyond repair.

Data backup software explained

Data backup software enables you to create backup copies of information stored on your computer. It can help you:

• Recover data you deleted accidentally
• Avoid losing files if your hard disk breaks
• Guard against data loss if your computer is stolen

You can take backups of key files manually. However, data backup software puts structure and automation round your backups – ensuring you perform them regularly.

For instance, virtually all backup software will allow you to schedule automatic backups. You can set them to run once a day (perhaps overnight, when you’re not using your computer), and then you know that you’ll never lose more than a day’s worth of file changes.

Backup software can also be very efficient. Rather than copying all your files every time, it can analyze individual files and only backup what’s changed since the last time. This means backups run quickly and take up less disk space.

Most backup software is easy to set up. You just need to think about what you want to back up, how often you want to do so – and where backup copies should be stored.

Storage

The most common options are to put them on CD, DVD, or on another hard drive. Your backup software should offer a choice of storage options. Some will copy your data up to an external server over the internet as well as saving it to a local disk. This can be a good idea, as it keeps your data in two different places.

Items

Not all backup software will cover the important areas of your system. As well as key files, you might need software that can back up your emails, bookmarked websites, contacts list and more.

Reliability

However, the most important thing about backup software is to make sure it’s reliable. Don’t just run regular backups. Check them regularly and make sure you can restore the data from them if you need to.