I need a backup

This is the 2nd most complicated service to explain because there are many factors that determine a good backup.  We will split the response into two articles.  This article will explain what makes a good backup and the second article will explaining the types of backups.

The 1st determining factor is to have more than one backup.  One has to realize backups fail, and it is good to have another backup when the primary backup fails.

2nd, one has to determining what they need backed up.  For most home users a full system backup is the best solution because it encompasses all of the data and programs on the computer.  For business users a full system backup is a very good option also, but may not be the best options because of the time and space required to run multiple backups.  Generally, most people accidentally erase a file or need to recover an older file, so file specific backups are a very good option.

3rd, one has to determine the backup increment.  Some people need data backed up instantaneously, while others may make changes once a week so a weekly backup is fine.  Remember, if you backup once a week, there are 7 days of non-backups.  If something fails, the backup will restore your data of 6 days ago.

Finally, there is cost.  Multiple backups have multiple costs.  It could be a one-time cost such as purchasing a hard drive or a recurring cost such as a remote backup solution.  The value of your data and the need for computer up-time should determine the cost of your backups.

There are many aspects to determining a good backup.  Feel free to Contact Us to discuss the backup solution that will work best for you.

Read the 2nd article describing backup types here.