Backup Considerations

Before we consider the types of hardware and software you might use to back up your projects, let's step back for a second and look at the big picture.

Let's start with a list of some things to think about before you decide what (if any) hardware or software you might need.

• Could the source material be easily replaced? If not, those files ought to be backed up.

• How much data is going to be backed up?

• How often will you back up?

• How many disks, tapes, or cartridges will it require?

• How much will the media cost?

• How long will a full backup take? An incremental backup?

• Do you want to automate the process so it occurs whether you remember or not?

Once you've given some thought to these questions you can start answering more specific ones, like which files need to be backed up, what hardware is most appropriate and cost-effective for your needs, and what software, if any, you should use to back up your project files.