Most people know that they should back up their data – but surprisingly few people actually do so! Some of those people are confused about how to create a data backup, while others simply don’t understand the seriousness of the threats that lurk in the digital universe!
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top reasons to back up data, and show you some simple, free methods that make the task easy. We’ll also look at the options you have if you’ve lost important files – including our Barnsley data recovery services.
The Threats to Your Data
– Hardware Failures
Computers break! It’s a simple fact of life, and one that’s unlikely to change any time soon. Having a physical component of your computer fail can be costly and disruptive, but often the greatest loss is the data that was stored on the device.
– Software Faults
Most computer problems aren’t caused by hardware issues at all; software faults are much more common, and can even affect brand-new devices. If the operating system on your computer develops a software fault, that could make accessing your data difficult.
– Data Corruption
It doesn’t take a full-blown computer failure to stop us accessing our data. Data corruption happens when stored data becomes damaged. Often, this can happen as a result of a file-system fault, but it can also occur because of a physical fault on the surface of your hard drive’s disks.
– Forgotten Passwords
PIN numbers, user-names, passwords, reset codes… It can often feel like there’s simply too much to remember – but a forgotten password could leave you unable to log in to your computer and get at your valued files.
– Viruses
Viruses can easily cause computers to become unusable, or lead to data corruption, but there are other types of malware that also present a more alarming threat…
– Ransomware
Ransomware is a class of malware that’s purpose built to lock down our files – or even our whole computer. The developers who create ransomware do so for profit – most ransomware comes with an option to pay the ‘ransom’ – after which you may (or may not) be able to unlock your device and access your files again.
How to Create a Backup
Backing up data is simple and hassle free (as well as being cost free, thanks to a variety of excellent programs available). One of the best free backup tools is actually built right into Windows – it’s called File History, and it allows you to create a backup on a separate drive. The best option here is to use an external hard drive – these are inexpensive and reliable, and you can use one drive to back up multiple devices.
You can access File History by opening the ‘Settings’ menu, and clicking through to the ‘Update and Security’, and ‘Backup’ areas. From there on in, it’s as simple as following the options on screen.
Another option is to use a cloud-based backup service. These tend to have fairly small limits – so unless you pay a subscription for a premium membership, you may only be able to back up your most vital files. Drop Box is a popular choice – but Google Drive and Microsoft’s One Drive are alternatives worth considering.
The main advantage of using a cloud-based backup service is the fact that your files are safely stored outside of your home – meaning that your information isn’t exposed to risks like a housefire or break in.
Recovery in Barnsley
First, the good news – 99% of the time, ‘lost’ data is really only inaccessible data – and we can help you to get it back!
We perform data recovery in Barnsley, and regularly help local residents and businesses that need support after data loss. Our sophisticated software-based recovery methods mean that we can get back data that’s been accidentally deleted, or lost after a software fault. We also perform password recovery, and can remove a hard drive from a ‘dead’ computer and transfer the data across to another device.
Get in touch to find out more about our IT support in Yorkshire that your small business can depend on.