Backing up Your Computer Jamie Leben IT-Works Computer Services Copyright 2010
Introduction Please hold questions to the end What is a computer back up? –A copy of important computer files Why back up? –Prevent the loss of important files –Save time, money…… and stress!
What to back up: Back up your entire hard drive if backup storage space is adequate Backup selected files: –C:\documents and settings (XP) c:\users (Vista/7) Includes My Documents, Desktop, favorites, Any other locations you store important files
Backup types “file” backups –Make a copy files only, not programs Good for deleted files Ok for drive failure- still requires reinstalling windows and programs
Backup types “image” backups –Makes a copy of the current windows install, files, programs, and all –Great for drive failure recovery –Sometimes not as handy for deleted file recovery
Backup types Try for a backup option that has both file and image backup –Win7/ Vista Pro, Business, Ultimate –Mac Time Machine –Most 3 rd party programs
Back up media options Extra hard drive –Internal Add a second drive inside the PC Some notebooks now have 2 drives –External USB hard drive
Back up media options CD, DVD, Bluray –Lower capacity than a hard drive, potentially less expensive –Good for long term archives –Check your CD software for backup options
Back up media options USB Flash Drive –Inexpensive –Not big enough for many users data (32gb $75, 64GB $150)
Back up media options Online backup services –Immediate setup –Great to protect against fire and theft –Great for travel- no extra drive to carry –More expensive over time –Not good with a slow Internet connection –Typically no “image” backup –
Backup software options Paragon free, Ghost, etc –Good options for XP –If you want features not in Vista/7 Image/ file/ online options Win7/Vista backup –Need pro, business, ultimate for “image” backups, network backups Online services normally use their own software
Check your backups! Questions? Thank you! Call IT-Works for backup help – – Demonstration