There are many, many files on your computer. Which should be backed up? Files can be grouped into three basic types of data files, or tiers: critical files, user files, and system files/programs. Let's take a look at each:
So, which should you back up? Well, it depends on how much storage you have at your disposal and how quickly you need to be up and running in the event of a problem. At a minimum, every person who owns a computer should back up critical files. We have seen lives in ruins because of one or two files (determined to be critical after the fact) that were lost or destroyed. Some examples of key files to back up are as follows:
Given that storage is relatively cheap, you should err on the side of designating many files as critical as opposed to being stingy with the critical designation. We recommend that you back up all critical files and user files. Whereas losing all the noncritical files would not push anyone to the brink, it really is a giant pain in the rear end to replace them all or live without them. Should you back up the operating system and program files? It depends. Most often, you have the CD for the operating system, and either CDs for all the programs you have installed or they are easily downloadable online. If you cannot afford to be without your computer for a day or so while you restore it from CDs, backing up the system and program files is a smart move. Instead of selecting the subset of files you really need to back up, a final option is to back up the entire system. This is not for everyone because it takes some time and a lot of storage; if you run a business using your computer or cannot afford to be without your computer for a day, however, you might want to think about this option. The most convenient way to back up an entire system is to make a drive image, which is essentially a compressed copy of every bit on your computer. A drive image will cost you a few dollars, but it might be worth it for the piece of mind it provides. |