Here's a solution that's free — it's a program called Reflect Free. It'll make an image file of your computer so that if you lose your data due to a failure you can quickly re-image it and be up and running in minutes, not days. You need to make an updated image every time you install new hardware or software; then you can just use another backup process to back up the changed data. Reflect Free can be found at Macrium Software's web site.
Step 2. Run a backup at least once a week; daily would be better. You use a backup utility to do this (you could use the built-in backup program that came with your operating system, or if you have a spare USB drive you can also use the Clickfree Transformer (or the Monster cable version). This hardware product connects your computer to an external USB drive and automatically backs up all your data files.
There is also a solution that combines these two steps into one process. You can purchase a hardware solution that will automate the complete solution, Seagate Replica, for example. You buy this solution for one computer or you can buy a version that protects multiple computers. You connect via USB and it does all the work for you ( makes a backup and keeps any changes you make to your system backup in real time)!
Follow the above steps and you can sleep soundly knowing your computer is backed up. If you do not want to do this, then at least use a USB flash drive and copy your important files to that so if you need a copy you have one. You can also use online backup services to backup your data (but not your applications). Examples of these services include Box and IDrive.
Do yourself a favor — pick a solution, and start NOW. Back up your files!
Article comments
1 - ed dickson
I wish I had read this (and listened) awhile back. I got my stuff back, but it was a lot of work and took calling in some tech assist.
My reason was pure laziness for not doing it.
2 - Joanne Huspek
Now that I'm writing more, backing up is an absolute necessity. I couldn't imagine having to reconstruct a 500 page book! Well, a few of my friends might tell you that would be the best thing to happen to me. :-)