T E C H SP L A I N E D
Backup blunders It was there, now it’s gone, and crying/swearing/screaming is not going to bring it back. Read on for the most common computer backup mistakes and how to avoid them. BLUNDER #1
Moving all data to a “backup drive” We frequently have customers who come to us with an external hard drive which they say is “my backup drive” yet it holds the only copy of their precious data. A backup is only a backup if it is a second (or third) copy. External drives are excellent backup devices but if you’re moving data off your computer to make space, always ensure you make a
BLUNDER #2
Always using the same backup drive Hard drives actually have a lifespan of only 4-5 years, so it’s essential that you regularly replace the hard drives you’re using for your backup. Also, take note that the same applies to your computer’s internal hard drive.
second copy. If your computer is running out of space, there are other options to consider before moving data off the hard drive. If in the end you still wish to do that, always make sure you have at least two copies!
BLUNDER #3
Confusing backups with syncs While the likes of iCloud, GoogleDrive and DropBox are excellent ways to store data, did you know that these cloud solutions are not strictly a backup? The Cloud is actually a synchronising software which replicates the data stored on other devices. For example, if you delete data off the Cloud or off your phone, it will also delete off your device/Cloud. To prevent this, carefully check your Cloud settings before deleting photos and also make sure you have another copy of your data, for example on an external hard drive.
BLUNDER #4
Forgetting to verify the backup It’s all well and good setting up a backup system, but what if it fails and no one notices? Regularly checking your backup to ensure everything is running smoothly can save you a huge headache later on down the line. When verifying your backup, look to see if the time and contents are correct, that each backup has finished, and that you can successfully restore any data written during the backup. If you need help with setting up the gold standard 3-21 backup, Tekkie Help are offering a special promotion. They’ll come to your home, check/ verify/ setup your backup and supply a new 2TB external hard drive for just $297 ($120 without the hard drive). Contact them on 81138682 to book. tekkiehelp.com
tekkiehelp.com | Tel: 81138682 Email support@ tekkiehelp.com May/June 2022
Techie Help MayJun22 New.indd 51
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t’s a worst nightmare. Your files have disappeared leaving you distraught and desperately trying to recall what you did. Whether it’s decades of family memories, a lifetime of paperwork, or an email you’ve been trying to write for weeks, backup should be the number one priority for anyone who doesn’t want to risk losing data. Sarah and Bo from Tekkie Help reveal how to not to fall into the nobackup trap.
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