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Backup Software
Backing up the information on your computer is very important. Whether you are a student working on an important paper, a homeowner keeping valuable records on your PC, or a business owner with irreplaceable documents, using backup software to ensure the safety of your documents is critical.
Determining Your Backup Software Needs
Before purchasing backup software, you need to determine your needs. Do you have multiple PCs that are networked or on a single computer? If you have multiple networked PCs, you need to consider purchasing backup software that has the capacity to backup a large amount of information. If you have a single computer, you will not need software with such a high capacity.
Do you want to backup just a few specific files or everything on your computer? If you need your computer system up and running very quickly after it crashes, you may want to consider software that backs up the entire system; these systems are also referred to as imaging software. If you have the time to rebuild your system, you may want software that backs up just specific files.
Methods of Backup Storage
Once you determine your backup needs, you will need to consider what method of backup storage you want to use as well as make sure the software you purchase is compatible with it. Most backup software will work with all three of these methods, but you should still verify your choice.
- Hard drive: Consider using a hard drive if you are backing up multiple systems or a network. The cost of hard drives is less expensive than other forms of media if you are backing up large amounts of information. Currently hard drives can be as large as ½ terabyte (500 gigabyte).
- CD or DVD: Consider backing up your information onto a CD or DVD if you are only dealing with one or two systems. You must have a CD or DVD burner on the system. The speed of backing up to a CD or DVD is slower than the speed of backing up onto a hard drive.
- Tape: Tape backup is a media format that is becoming less popular. It is still, however, a very secure form of backup. It is expensive compared to using a hard drive or CD/DVD, but it does hold a large amount of information. Tapes are a slow method of backing up your computer.
Choosing the Backup Software
Once you have determined your needs and preferred backup method, begin to compare backup software. Read reviews of the software or ask computer professionals which software they would recommend.
Also, it is important to compare backup software for ease of use. The software might meet all your needs, but if it is not easy to use, you are not likely to use it.
By Robin Shreeves
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