As a computer user you probably hear it all the time: “Back up your data.” Backing up data is the most popular mantra of the tech world and it is not without meaning. Although you’ve heard it again and again here are ten reasons you need to back up your data:
- Technology is Unpredictable – Computer crashes, viruses, faulty equipment and hardware failure are all part and parcel of dealing with computers. What’s worse is you never know when they’ll strike. Having a backup of your data ensures that you can get around modern technology’s failings without losing important information.
- …So is Human Error – People make mistakes. When it comes to computers a really small mistake can make for a big mess if your data doesn’t have a copy somewhere. One wrong mouse click and your data could be gone without a trace. With backed up data up your sleeve you can move around human error and get right back to where you were on your project.
- …Lastly, So is Mother Nature – Although we’ve come a long way since the invention of the wheel Mother Nature has an uncanny way of showing us who is really in charge. Having data backed up on the cloud protects your data in case of a power surge from a lightning strike or any other natural disaster.
- Don’t Do Twice as Much Work – Let’s say you’re working on a report. You’re happily typing along and you don’t save while you go. At some point you may accidentally delete the entire file and have to do all that work over again. Backing up lets you work smarter by saving you the hassle of having to start from scratch.
- Keep Important Documents and Files Safe – Medical documents should have multiple backups in any case of technological failure. There’s a lot of vital and personal information contained within. Not backing up such important data can spell the difference between life and death for some with lost documents taking that information into the digital black hole.
- Get Up and Running Quickly After Disaster – Whether it’s a massive network crash or weather damage having data backups available allows a business to get back on their feet quickly after any kind of disaster. Those that don’t back up risk not being able to open their doors for future business.
- Taxes, Taxes, Taxes – It’s generally a good idea to keep track of tax records for a few years after. The same holds true for tax files on the computer. Keeping one or two copies of your tax information backed up protects you if the IRS comes knocking. Instead of not having that very-much-needed document at tax time you can pull it up and settle any disputes that may arise.
- Hold Onto Your Happy Memories – If you have hundreds of pictures on your computer of family, vacations or other milestones consider backing them up once or twice. Should your computer fail for any reason you could risk losing your cherished photographs never to see them again.
- Computer Theft Can’t Stop You – If you should unfortunately experience computer theft having data backed up ensures that it’s available to you even when your hardware is not. You won’t know how much you miss the data you need until it is suddenly gone. While the police work on your case you can get back to your own work with your backup data.
- It’s Easy and Simple to Do – Saving multiple copies if important files is a breeze. With all the tools available to you there is no excuse not to back up your data. You can store data on the cloud, on a portable hard drive or on another network server so it will always be close at hand.
Consider backing up your data with the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3- Make three copies of anything you care about
- 2- Use two different formats, such as the cloud AND an external hard drive
- 1- One off-site backup in case of fire or property damage