Creating Computer Backups

Somewhere, not far from your computer, you should be storing an extra copy of your files and data - in case something goes wrong. This is your backup. If at any time, something goes wrong from a quirk in the system to a crashed hard drive we rely on our backup to get us back to where we were. Without a backup, we are starting from scratch. There are a variety of things that can go wrong:

• Accidental deletion of a file
• Power loss and surges
• Virus infection
• Mechanical breakdown or software failure
• Environmental disasters such as fire and theft.

The rule of thumb is to backup everything that would be difficult to recreate. If you have just finished fine tuning a document for three hours, make a backup copy. Simply copying a file to a floppy disk will work. From My Computer, find the document in your hard drive (quite often it will appear in My Documents), right click and select Send To, choose to 3 ½" Floppy (A) and you have a copy.

Keep in mind that a Floppy drive is limited to 1.44 megabytes of data. Although ample for text documents, our pictures will often exceed their capacity. There are many other forms of media that can be used. Many computers now come equipped with Zip Drive storing 100 megabytes of data or CD-Rewritable that holds 650 megabytes of data. Each has its pros, cons, and price tag attached.

Which ever method you choose, make sure you frequently make copies of all your important data files- documents, spreadsheets, and any financial information you store. Do not forget your e-mail addresses and Internet Favorite folder. As a rule, when looking for your items to copy you can use the Find selection on your start menu. Type in the item you are looking for in the named area and select Find Now. When you find the folder you are looking for, right click and "Send To" your floppy.

It is also important that we have made and safely stored a copy of our emergency start up diskette. If for any reason your computer will not start correctly, this is what will let you back in. To make this diskette, select Settings from your Start Menu and then the Control Panel. Once in the Control Panel window, select Add Remove Programs. Inside you will see a Tab for "Startup Disk" follow the instructions on the screen and keep this diskette in a safe place.

Always remember the amount of time and dedication that went into a project created on your computer, and then ask yourself "Do I want to do that again?" If the answer is no, create a backup!