The Computer Revolution/Backing up Data

Backing Up Your Computer The data stored on the computer is probably the most important item in terms of overall computer security. Many systems (especially home users) have not adequately planned for the catastrophic loss of data that would occur with a hard drive failure, fire, theft, etc. Data should be secured by using password protection, and an encryption scheme. Data should be recoverable using some means of backup protection. Sensitive and/or confidential data needs this type of protection. Data backup entails making copies of important files and folders. Routine backups are not typically made of the OS because this should be available on a previously created disk image or on software discs form the vendor. Backing up the other software a user has purchased and installed on the computer is recommended also, for ease of re-installation if needed. Most, if not all, fully integrated commercial operating systems will include security options that include backups. In Microsoft Windows 7, for example, the backup and restore utility takes care of this function. Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular for backups. Most serious home computer users will have two backups, often on a separate portable hard drive and another on a commercial server in the “cloud”. Examples include, but are certainly not limited to Google, JustCloud (Amazon’s offering), and Carbonite.

References used:

http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/it/getting_started/backup.htm

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/backup-and-restore.htm