Periodically we need to get ourselves a new computer. We also may need to transfer data from the old one to the new computer. Another reason is to backup or copy our data.
Ways to back up data
- Connect an external USB hard drive to a USB port.
- If you have a second drive installed in your computer you could use it.
- On line storage. This is normally a website that either automatically backs up your new data or you can do it manually.
- Network storage. Many companies (if not all) use this means of storage. The backups are normally automated and back up at a given time sequence.
- Technician backups – some small companies hire somebody to back their data up for them.
- Outsourcing. This is getting more popular. Some outside firm is assigned to do backups and maybe all tech support.
These are some of the ways. If you just want to simply transfer one file or folder many people now use USB thumb drives. This saves resources and the cost of using a disk. Some thumb drives are as big as 16 gigabyte. If you are on a network you can use the transfer method the company allows you to use.
What about tape drives?
I have seen a few companies still using this method. However, if you use a USB external drive it is extremely faster, can store more data, and retrieve it instantly. It has far more data integrity also. A tape drive takes much longer to retrieve data and the tapes can go bad much faster. It is known that these tapes will fail you when you need them the most. They also have a much shorter life span.
One touch drives
These drives are just how they sound. They can be set up so that you can just touch a button and it will back up whatever you have told it to. This is great for small companies. These drives keep coming down in price also.
Emergencies and Catastrophes
This is exactly why you need to know what files to move and how to move them. If there is a problem, you will hope you transferred all the necessary data to the right place.
THE BIG THING is that it is off site. Many people do not take this step and pay for it later. A simple way is to use two USB drives. Every month (or what you decide) you take one to a safety deposit box or some other off site location. You can also use a rewritable disk if you have a good way to cut one. Another new way is to back them up or move them to an internet backup site. These aren’t real expensive and may save you some day.
One more way
You can do a mirror image of the drive. You will need special software such as Norton Ghost. If you use this method you can literally replace your entire computer hard drive if something goes wrong. This can also be used if you need to transfer your data to a different hard drive for any reason. Some older drives are small and run out of space quickly. This will move any and all programs, and files you had. Do not use this method if you have viruses. You will only transfer the viruses.
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