Tech Tips
by Alejandra
Data loss can happen to anyone at any time.
One minute, you're working on your TPS reports, and in an instant, your computer shuts off and you've lost all your work.
Or your phone might get stolen, meaning all your photos are gone.
For businesses, data loss can cause significant disruption to workflows, not to mention the cost of repair and recovery.
Here are some ways you can protect yourself from data loss.
1. Use the cloud for backing up your data.
Cloud services such as OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive are available for anyone with an account. They're free services, but they only come with a small amount of free storage, usually 5–15 GB. To increase your cloud storage space, there are typically monthly subscriptions.
These cloud services can be accessed on your PC, Mac, phone, or tablet by downloading an app. You can even set it up to automatically back up photos from your camera or documents on your computer. That way, any time a change is made, it's saved to the cloud instantly, ensuring that if your device shuts off unexpectedly or is lost, your data is always backed up.
This is the #1 recommended method of backup for most users.
2. Use physical external hard drives to back up your data.
Cloud backups can update every day, whereas external drives will only run backups whenever you physically plug the drives in.
This may be ideal for users who aren't sold on the idea of storing data to the cloud but still want to ensure their data is saved in another location.
Data backup can be as simple as copying and pasting your files onto an external hard drive or keeping it securely plugged in at all times and allocating space for regular backups.
You usually use a program to set up the data backup frequency and specifications. Once it's set up, you just need to make sure the drive is plugged in at the appropriate time or is secured somewhere where it will remain plugged in and undisturbed.
To sum up, regularly backing up your data is the key to avoiding headaches down the road. With these tips, you can protect your info, keep things running smoothly, and avoid any unwanted surprises. Stay proactive and keep those backups rolling!