Backup copying is the name of the creation and the storage of copies of documents on a non-participating in daily processes media. If the portable device with the copy is included in the current processes and consumes power, then this process is supposed the creation of backup copies.

What is the backup and when should you do it?

Backup data is a creating of an additional copy of the files that will be saved in case your computer is lost or damaged. Backup can be done independently or use special programs for this. Backup is a “stock.” The backup copy is a creation of a copy of files on additional media (external hard drive, CD / DVD-drive, flash drive, etc.). Backup should be done regularly, before each operation, implying interference in the operation of the computer. For example, before reinstalling the operating system or updating the software.

How to protect yourself from data loss?

There are two ways to create a backup copy of the documents: on physical media or using cloud Internet services.

Flash drive

You can save a small amount of information on a flash drive of the appropriate size. USB drives are automatically recognized by the computer. However, the flash drive has a limited number of records. If you store docs on it that you need to rewrite, the flash drive will break down pretty quickly.

CD

The most common disk is a single-layer DVD with a capacity of 4.7 GB. Two-layer DVDs have a capacity of up to 8.5 GB. CD-ROMs are best used for rarely modified files, for instance, website backup, and secondly, such disks should be protected from temperature changes, mechanical damage, and ultraviolet. In addition, it is possible to entrust important data, such as copies of developments only to high-quality disks and writing drives.

Internet services

You can store data on Internet services, but this requires a computer with Internet access. It is a pretty comfortable way to save your WordPress website and to clone website. The con of this option is that the information is stored on a foreign server and at any time can become public. One of these storage services is getdropbox.com. After registration, it provides free 2 GB of space.

What could be the cause of the loss of data?

You can lose the data on your computer because of:

• inattention when working with files;
• infection of the system with computer viruses;
• breakdown of the operating system;
• damage to the hard drive;
• breakdown or loss of the entire computer.

What if you accidentally deleted files?

If you quickly remembered it, then the document is easily retrieved from the Recycle Bin. In case, you have already cleared the basket, then it will be difficult or impossible to restore the data. All depends on the time that has elapsed since the cleaning of the basket.

When you clear the Recycle Bin, only the record of its being found in it is deleted, and the files themselves are still on the hard disk for a while. Therefore, to restore the file after cleaning the trash, you will have to use special programs that allow you to return data already deleted from the trash.

Usually, errors in accessing files, corrupting and losing files are the result of incorrect software operation or computer problems. If you accidentally deleted important information, do not write anything on the carrier from which the file was deleted, just put it aside and contact the technical laboratory – there you will be helped to restore the lost information.

Do not ask the unqualified people to restore information and in any obstacles do not pay them online. You may pay for essays online because you are confident in the author’s skills, but you never do this if you’re not. And, by the way, do not try to do it yourself – you risk losing information forever.

How many copies should it be?

There should be at least two copies of data on different types of media, and preferably three or four? If the data is important to you, use all the media listed above! Remember: copies of important data are stored in three different places, on different types of media (for example, one copy on an external hard disk, the second on a DVD-disk, the third is on a server on the Internet).
These copies should be kept separate from your computer (one copy, ideally, you need to store in another building or city, in case of natural disasters.

The main rules of backup copies!

It seems that everything is simple, made a copy of important data and is free. But always the following rules should be remembered:

1. Make the backup regularly (the more times you make a backup, the less work you will have to do after recovery).
2. You must have at least two copies of the data on different types of media.
3. Copies should be kept separately.
4. After backup, disconnect the portable drive from the computer (to avoid the impact of viruses and problems with the supply voltage).
5. Make a backup for all your devices (laptop, tablet, mobile phone, camera, etc.), because they can have data that is not on the main computer.
6. Always … no, ALWAYS check your copies for recovery! (worst of all, when you think that there is a backup, but it is corrupted / unreadable / forgotten the password … and it becomes known at the data recovery stage).