Today is the first of the month which means it is Data Backup Day – a day when you (genealogists and any computer user) should consider how you’ve safeguarded your data.
Ways To Backup Your Data
“Back in the day” the ways of securing your data meant copying to CDs or *ugh* even floppy disks (remember those?). Luckily these days we have more and more devices including cheap external drives with 1 TB or more of store and online applications that will backup your data – for free!
- Hard Drive: if you have room on your hard drive, create a “copy folder” of your essential data. This not only gives you a second copy but is what you can use to copy out to CDs, DVDs or other media.
- CDs and DVDs: if your computer has a CD/DVD burner, you can create your own CDs and DVDs to store data.
- External Hard Drive: an external hard drive can connect to your computer via a USB connection and they can hold 1 TB (that’s terabyte as in 1,000 GB) at a relatively cheap price (some under $100). What’s also nice is the size: some can fit in the palm of your hand. Check out CNET’s list of external hard drives for reviews and ratings.
- Online Backup Services: there are a variety of sites that allow you to backup your data – some even for free! Check out the current list Free Online Storage Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart at Lifehacker and select a service that meets your needs.
Data Types To Backup
The main focus is your research database but think about backing up these items as well:
- Internet favorites and bookmarks
- emails
- photos and scanned documents
- blog posts and templates
Data Backup Resources
Here are some links that will help you determine ways to backup your data:
© 2009, copyright Thomas MacEntee
