After tragically losing all my data to a computer crisis, I feel it necessary to post this topic. The scorched hand is more careful with fire.
QuestionHow often should I backup my files?
QuestionThe simple answer is that the more often you backup your files, the better off you'll be. However, although a daily backup is healthy for the computer (and your sanity in the event of an
emergency), it tends to be tedious. How often you actually
need to backup depends on what you use your system for. If you do heavy gaming, about once every two weeks is good,
since save games change data so often it would be extremely annoying to backup after each time you play part of a game. If you manage finances or do other extremely important activities,
once every few days to daily would be a good measure. Most users will fall between these extremes.
QuestionWhat should I backup?
AnswerMost of the time, a backup of all your important documents and similar files is all you need. However, it is good practice, if you have the disk space, to make images of all downloadable
programs, and either burn them to CD's or to another partition or disk drive. Installable programs are not necessary to backup (though any documents you make with them are not only fair
game, but a good idea to backup), but things downloaded from the Internet - utilities, browsers, etc. should be backed up occasionally. It's a good idea to backup the Setup files rather
than the entire program; you'll get the program at a fraction of the disk space.
QuestionWhat should I backup to?
AnswerCD-RW's are an excellent choice, as these can be overwritten in the case of needing to backup the same file again, and they hold a respectable 700 MB. However, if you only have a few
files and documents, or if you cannot burn CD's or CD-RW's, then diskettes are the way to go. The only problem with that is that you'll need a lot of floppies for a lot of files, as 1.44 MB
is the limit for file storage. If you choose diskettes as your backup method, consider using
Winzip to compress your files. In
fact, there is no reason not to zip them as it will save space and if a computer doesn't have Winzip it can be downloaded (or you can keep a setup.exe for Winzip, but you can't zip the
setup as this defeats the purpose).
QuestionHow would I use these backups if my system failed?
AnswerDirectly, you cannot. These cannot restore your system to proper conditions. However, when and if you do get your PC running properly again after an emergency, this backup will greatly
assist you in restoring your PC/MAC/Other to it's former condition, and save your sanity.