What is data backup? 5 Ways to Backup Your Files

We always have files that we don't want to mess up or lose.It could be anything from family photos to school projects, work reports to important passwords.Imagine how horrible it would be if all our files were wiped out in an instant!That's why we need to prepare a backup solution!That's why we need to prepare a backup solution.Doing this ensures that our data can be recovered in case of any accidents.

Things get even more worrisome when you factor in data breaches and ransomware.Your files could be stolen by cybercriminals, or all your important data locked by hackers.

Never lose access to your precious files.Try these methods and save your data from disaster.

1. Removable media

Removable media are devices that store data that can be easily removed from your computer or laptop.They are different from internal storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives, which are fixed inside your computer and cannot be removed without opening the case.Another advantage is that they won't break the bank; you can get them for relatively cheap almost anywhere.

Some examples of removable media are USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs, memory cards and external hard drives.Just choose something that suits your budget and taste.

However, removable media also has some disadvantages that you must be aware of.They are easily damaged and lost.These little things are delicate and can slip from your hands, crack, get scratched, or disappear.If they do, say goodbye to your backup data.

They are also not very secure or reliable.You can quickly connect and disconnect them from any device, making them easily discoverable by anyone.

So, is removable media a good choice for backing up data?Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

2. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Do you often work with many files that you need to use on different devices?Then you should consider buying a NAS device.Network-attached storage, or NAS for short, is like a big hard drive that you plug into your home network.

With a NAS, you can have more control and flexibility over your data.You can choose the size of the space, the type of drive, backup frequency and access rights. NAS isn't just for backup, either; you can also do cool things like stream media, host websites, run apps, or share files with others.

NAS devices are also more reliable and durable than external hard drives, which can easily fail or become damaged.And, unlike cloud services or online platforms, you don't have to pay monthly fees or worry about privacy when using a NAS.

Of course, NAS also has some disadvantages.One of them is the initial cost as they are not cheap and require some technical knowledge and skills to set up and maintain.You need a fast and stable network to get your data from NAS.And, if your NAS device is stolen, destroyed, or damaged, you could lose all your files unless you have another backup elsewhere.

3. Cloud storage service

The Internet lets you hide your files and retrieve them anytime, anywhere as long as you're online.This is exactly what cloud storage is all about.Some common options you can explore include Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive.

Different cloud storage services charge you differently for storing files online.Some may let you start with a certain amount of free space, but require you to pay more if you need additional space.Others may charge a flat monthly or annual fee, depending on how much space you use.

4. Cloud backup service

Don't confuse cloud backup with cloud storage.They are different.Cloud backup copies your stuff to one safe place.Cloud storage simply lets you access your stuff from anywhere.You don't have to worry about buying, maintaining, or carrying physical equipment with you.Fire, flood or theft?No problem: your backups are safe in the cloud.

If you delete something important by mistake, cloud backup means you have a history of all your actions.You can revert to any older version at any time.Just select the session you want to restore and voilà!

5. Tape drive

Tape drives use tape cartridges, or magazines, to hold data.They started in the 20s, and people still use them for backup and archiving.Tape drives are great for long-term data storage, keeping offline backups, and protecting data.

Tape drives do have some advantages over other backup media.For example, tape drives have large storage capacities, up to 45TB per cartridge (compressed), with LTO-9 technology; plus, they are cheap and durable, and can last for decades if stored properly.Another advantage of tape drives is that they are scalable: you can easily add more tape cartridges or tapes to your backup system.Tape drives are also very efficient, using less power and generating less heat than hard drives or cloud drives.Of course, they're portable -- you can ship them to another location for offsite backup or disaster recovery.

Finally, tape drives are safe.Tape drives are immune to cyber attacks because they are not connected to the internet or any network.Tape drives feature encryption and write-once-read-many (WORM) capabilities to prevent unauthorized access or modification of your data.

They're the dinosaurs of backup technology: they may be old, but they're still pretty darn good.

Still, you may find that transferring data to tape drives has issues and requires specialized software and hardware, so this may not be the best option for you.But it depends on what you are storing and for how long.

don't lose your files

You never know when disaster will strike and wipe out your precious data.Make copies of your files, documents and photos: better safe than sorry.