You've been working long and hard on that 100-page report for your boss. It's been proof-read, fact-checked, and sent in. Finally, you can kick back and take a load off.
But your boss emails you back: there was an error with opening the file, could you send them another copy? You go to do so, but can't find the report anywhere. Some glitch in your computer deleted the original file!
It sounds terrifying, right? How can you prevent this nightmare scenario from becoming a reality?
Well, today's your lucky day! We're here to tell you all about data backup definition and the types of data backup that exist! So pull up a chair, get comfy, and let's get started!
Data backup refers to the process by which you create multiple copies of a set piece of data and move said pieces of data to different locations on the computer. This helps to prevent losing the data in the event of some sort of computer error, from physical damage to an internal screw-up.
Though there are some programs or applications that do backups automatically, there's also a strong chance that your company will require you to backup your files yourself. So what tricks can you use?
One type of data backup you can pursue is using an external hard drive or a flash drive.
These two terms encompass any storage device outside the computer that you can store files on. You will have to store the drive and any related cables in addition to keeping them maintained, but this is one of the safer methods of backing up data by far.
External hard drives are further recommended if you are trying to back up a video or other large files since they tend to have a large amount of storage space. If you don't want to shell out cash for the hard drive, you can also look into compressing your files to keep them somewhere with less space.
Compression is a process that reduces the size of a file by removing bits or pixels. Compression is a useful and quick tool to use, but make sure you know what kind of compression you're putting on a file: certain types of compression are irreversible and you will lose those bits forever.
Finally, your company may offer some form of cloud storage, which will let you store your information on the Internet while also opening up the ability to access files from multiple devices.
Cloud services tend to be fairly reliable, but still make sure to check the reputation of these services (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.) before you sign on. Some cloud services don't run a very tight ship on keeping your files protected.
You should now have a good idea of both data backup definitions and the many types of backup you can use.
For more information on sorting data and all things computers, check out more posts on our blog! Now enjoy never losing your files again!
