Backups

Backup Important Files

No computer system is completely secure. There are many ways you can unintentionally lose information. A computer virus, power surge, flood or equipment failure can all cause data loss. Important files that cannot be replaced should be backed up and, if possible, stored in a separate location. In that way you can get back some if not all of your information if something happens to your computer. Files can be backed up onto CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, USB memory drives or other storage options. When deciding what to back, divide all you data into two categories: those items that you can replace and those you can't.

Files that should be backed up:

• Files that you can not easily recreate nor reinstall from another source.
• Personal files and photos
• Digital photos (if the only copy is the one on your computer)
• Software and music you have purchased and downloaded from the Internet
• Your Internet bookmarks or Favourites
• Your email address book

Students: Please see the following web page for more information about Saving, Transferring and Transporting your files