Backup -Desktop/Laptop

Why do you need backups?

  • Hard drives do crash
  • Files can accidentally be deleted or become corrupt
  • Viruses can corrupt or delete files
  • You may upgrade to a new computer and need to move your files.

When should you make backups?

If you wonder how often you should back up your data, just ask yourself, “How many days work can I afford to lose“? Whenever you make changes to files, or add new files, you need to back up your files again. It is a good practice to back up your files on a daily basis. If you are working on a critical project, you may want to back it up even more often.

Files to Consider Backing up on a regular basis:

Microsoft Windows PC

  • Email  (Outlook.pst, Archive.pst)
  • Internet Explorer or MS Edge Favorites  (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\Favorites)
  • your Desktop Folder (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\Desktop)
  • Your Documents Folder (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\Documents)
  • Your Pictures Folder (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\Pictures)
  • Your Music Folder (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\Music)
  • Your Movies Folder (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\Movies)
  • Your Application Data Folder (usually hidden) (C:Users\YOURUSERNAME\AppData)
  • EndNote library (libraryname.enl and associated .DATA file)
  • My Documents  (Or whatever personal folder you use for your documentation)
  • Current ’works-in-progress’ (Projects, Research, Presentations etc.)

Apple Macintosh

  • Email  (Personal Address Book, Personal Folder
  • Internet Explorer Favorites  (System:Preferences:Explorer:Favourites.html)
  • EndNote library (libraryname.enl and associated .DATA file)
  • FTP Configurations (Fetch Prefs and Shortcuts in the System: Preferences folder )
  • Documents  (Or whatever personal folder you use for your documentation)
  • Current ’works-in-progress’ (Projects, Research, Presentations etc.)
  • your Home Folder (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Movies, Library,)

Common Backup Tools for Each Operating System

Windows:

  1. Windows System Backup (Found on Windows PC in Control Panels)
  2. Commercial and Open Source Backup Software

Mac OS X

  1. Mac OS X has a built in Backup program called TIMEMACHINE
  2. Another is Carbon Copy Cloner this is a good if your looking to clone your hard drive.
  3. Commercial and Open Source Backup Software

 

 

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