What sorts of places can I back up my data to?
Data can be stored and backed up on the following:
Computer hard drives
You can backup your files to another sector of your computer’s hard drive, or even copy the whole drive (known as ‘disk imaging’), for example by using Windows programs.
This is useful if one sector goes down, or one set of copies get corrupted, but obviously you still lose everything if the whole hard drive fails or if the computer gets damaged, lost, or stolen. Images and copies also take up storage space.
Memory sticks
USB memory sticks are a useful way of transporting files around. They’re inexpensive – for about £10 you can get 16 gigabytes of storage.
You might use them for very short-term storage of documents you’re working on, but they’re not suitable for systematic backing up. They’re notorious for being easily lost – make sure you encrypt them so that if they do fall into the wrong hands the files can’t be opened.
The convenience of memory sticks can also be their downfall. They’re a perfect way to pass viruses from one computer to another, or even infect whole networks. That’s why some businesses ban their employees from using them. If you do need to use memory sticks, be sure to scan them with virus protection software before you open any files.
CDs /DVDs
Files can backed-up (‘burned’) from desktops and laptops onto CDs or DVDs, but this can be a very slow process.
The discs have limited space (about 5 -10 gigabytes) and can be damaged relatively easily. They’re not recommended for systematic data backups.
Portable hard drives
Backing up to hard drives is a cost-effective option for many smaller businesses. These range from 500 gigabyte models for around £50, to 8 terabyte versions for about £200.
Larger businesses tend to backup to tape drives, many of which cost £1,000 or more. As with any portable storage device, it’s a good idea to encrypt the data in case it gets lost or stolen.
Network storage devices
Network storage devices
If you have a network, you’ll have a network server or network attached storage (NAS) device (costing £400 to £2,500) that stores terabytes of data.
‘RAID’ type servers in effect backup data to different internal discs so that if one fails the data is safe on another. But these data copies are held within the same device – for proper security the data needs copying and then storing at a different location.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage
With online backup (or cloud backup) your data is sent via the internet to a vendor who stores it on their own servers in a data centre.
This means you avoid the risks associated with storage on your own premises, such as fire, flood or theft. Costs may range from around £6 per month for limited storage for one user, to £550 per year for unlimited use by five users.
Here are the websites of some of the companies that provide cloud hosting services: