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Assembling a Computer Backup Plan

In the event you have purchased a new computer for work or home, you are probably excited about getting the machine up and running. At this time, you are not likely to be worrying about the potential for disaster. Yet the dangers should not be ignored.

In the event you have purchased a new computer for work or home, you are probably excited about getting the machine up and running. At this time, you are not likely to be worrying about the potential for disaster. Yet the dangers should not be ignored.

Specifically, you could lose data due to damage caused by viruses, worms or software programs that affect your system. Or you might inadvertently delete files in a botched upgrade. In the worst-case scenario, a hard-drive failure could even destroy a business.

Fortunately, you may be able to avoid any dire results by establishing a "backup" strategy for your computer. In this brief article, we will outline some of the basics.

Starting point: If your system did not provide a recovery disk, create a backup of the system in its initial configuration. It is generally recommended to do this before installation of software programs that could slow down the system. It is also more likely the system will not be hindered by any spyware.

You can replicate your C drive by purchasing a relatively inexpensive program. Keep the DVD or disk in a safe place so you can restore your system anytime should a disaster occur.

There are three key steps to the process of creating a backup.

1. Identify the data to be backed up. This can generally be handled by referring to your profile folder on the system. For instance, this should include the familiar "My Documents" section as well as other directories that are normally hidden from view and certain applications. Caveat: Don't forget to search for other places on your hard drive where you might have stored data.

Backing up applications may not be as critical if they can be installed with disks you have stored in a safe place. If you have purchased software electronically, make sure you have easy access to downloads or disks.

2. Decide on a storage location. For convenience's sake, you might create a partition on your hard drive for storing backups. But then both your data and backups are at risk due to system failure. Conversely, you can store backups on removable media and transport them to an off-site location, although this is too much of a hassle for some people. One possible solution is to combine strategies. Example: Create periodic full backups that are transported off-site. In the interim, supplement them with regular daily or weekly backups in a more convenient location.

3. Follow th rough on the plan. Your system should include instructions for running backup software. Also, software programs are readily available. If you are not computer-savvy, you can use a third party to handle the technical details.

Finally, take the time to review your backup process on a regular basis. Make sure that it includes all of your data files and any new directories. Check for any potential problems such as reduced space on your backup drive.

Don't plunge blindly ahead without taking the necessary precautions. It could be well worthwhile in the long run.

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