It often happens that we think that we don't need to make backups because we don't browse potentially dangerous sites so that our data can be hacked. This is correct in principle, since the main causes of data loss in files are viruses and cyberattacks.
But what we don't stop to think about carefully is that we can not only lose important information through these situations, but often a technical failure can occur in our equipment. This will result in us not being able to access data that we did not have protected.
That's why it's recommended to perform regular backups. We'll show you how to do this.
What is a backup and what is it used for?
A backup is the process of safeguarding important information. All files, documents, software, images, youtube, databaseWe can protect contacts and emails that we consider important. in a different place than where they were originally recorded.
This technique is used not only to protect data we consider important, but also to access it in adverse situations. These include the theft or loss of our mobile device; a computer malfunction requiring an operating system reinstallation; sharing confidential information without knowing how the other person will handle it; and so on.
There are different tools for creating a backup, including a USB drive, external hard drive, or directly in the cloud, such as... Drive from Google or OneDrive MicrosoftFurthermore, there are different techniques for extracting and storing the data.
The data backup process is complemented by the restoration process. This procedure involves relocating the necessary data that we want to incorporate back into the original files. Whether partially or totally and fits them back into the storage unit where the originals were located or any other location the user chooses.
Why is it important to perform regular backups and what are the risks of not doing so?
When we perform a backup, we have the peace of mind that the data we care about is backed up in a safe place. Therefore, In case of any computer, natural or personal catastrophe, we will know that we will have the files backed up. somewhere from which we can retrieve it.
Furthermore, creating a backup allows you to track changes to the backed-up data. This is crucial because we often need to recover blocks that were accidentally deleted, or when modifications made didn't produce the desired results.
We will be able to share the highlighted data without any problems or limitations.because we'll know we have a backup of them. This is important in case the person we give this data to makes changes without our knowledge, loses it, or damages it.
We can rest easy knowing that we've created a backup in situations where a virus infects our computer. This way, we won't have to worry because our most important data is safely stored.
What are the most common methods used to back up and protect your digital files?
As we discussed earlier, there are different methods we can use to perform a backup.
Next, we'll talk about each of them so you can consider their most important advantages:
USB flash drives
Perhaps the most common and preferred type of storage is this one. This is because it uses memory... USB We can transport the records in a practical and reliable way.To do this, we must be careful not to insert the USB drive into just any computer that we don't trust, or at least run an antivirus program before doing so.
The main advantage of backing up to this type of memory is that any computer has a USB port, and the device itself is small. Its small size and light weight are key factors to consider when using this method, as many times we can lose itwithout us even realizing it.
Cloud
We've touched on this before. One of the most practical options is to store all backups of important data from your computer or mobile device in the cloud. Among the most prominent platforms, we can mention... Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, pCloud, Amazon Drive, Dropbox and Apple iCloud.
The most important advantage of this method is that it doesn't require travel. You can simply access it from anywhere with an internet connection. Among the disadvantages, we could mention the limited storage capacity, and accessing more GB will require paying a few euros. Furthermore, It is more vulnerable to being hacked if they can access our password.
Optical Discs
This type of storage unit is used for its capacity and reliability in storing important data. While different storage sizes exist, from a CD up to a single disc Blu-Ray with 25 MBCurrently, user preference has somewhat sidelined this method.
Much of this is due to their size and the lack of optical disc drive readers in various devices.
SSD drives
These solid-state drives have the great advantage of storing a much larger amount than other technologies, It can hold up to 4 TBIt is ideal for storing large and very important files, as it is shock-resistant and has a high write speed.
Among its other advantages, we can mention its quiet operation and efficient performance. But if we have to name one The disadvantages include its lifespan and priceThis last factor being an important condition when choosing this type of computer tool.
Flash memories
This memory card is one of the most widely used today, along with USB flash drives. Memory cards SD memory They have considerable advantages over other storage devices. This is because they can be integrated into a mobile device and perform backups without requiring any additional accessories.
It has a much larger storage capacity than other technologies. But it presents as disadvantage: its fragility and small size because they are not very versatile and break frequently with handling.
Our PC's hard drive
We can create a backup on the same hard drive where the original data is stored. To do this, It will be necessary to partition it in order to save the backup in the new part of the hard disk, without it having access to Internet.
This has a major advantage: it saves money, as disk partitioning is very easy. However, a disadvantage is that this type of storage requires a high-capacity disk, making it expensive.
Furthermore, We run the risk that this will break hard drive or a virus could infect the part authorized to access the internet. This would crash the entire hardware, resulting in the loss of not only the original data but also the backups.
FTP server
One of the best options we have is to make backups and store them on servers specially designed for this purpose.As we will see in detail later, where we analyze the best tools, there are companies that provide their storage capacity so that we can remotely access and save our files in a very simple way.
An example of this is the plugin “BackWPup WordPress Backup”This tool is widely used by people who work with websites. Among its most important advantages is the ability to... access the server from anywhere with internet access.
While it is true that many of these services are free, there are others for which you have to pay. be willing to pay a few euros a year to access greater storage capacities.
Mobile device
Just like with a partitioned disk in our computer, We can also back up the most important information we have on our mobile phone.As you might expect, you won't have to pay anything to access this backup tool, as you'll be able to perform this task for free. downloading free apps which they will do automatically.
One disadvantage is that if you lose your phone, an intruder who finds it can easily access your data and the files stored on it. Therefore, this option is often not recommended.
What are the most important aspects to consider before performing a backup?
Before performing a backup, we must keep in mind different aspects to ensure the backup is successful.
We will now name the most important ones:
The first thing we have to decide is which files will we saveThis is important to keep in mind because backing up any kind of files will quickly exhaust the storage capacity of the destination drive. Therefore, we need a strategy for saving only the files that are truly necessary and effective.
Many users choose to back up files that have undergone changes or to create a backup of the data block to which they belong. Backing up the latest versions integrated into the computer system is also an option.
Once it has been established which data or files will be backed up, it is advisable to determine the storage device for them.To do this, we will have to study its capacity and the versatility it offers in certain changes, both computer-related and physical.
It's important to remember that the backup must include all data. So, the question becomes: What happens to documents that are in use?because the files will be open and a compatibility or operational error may occur.
In these cases, it's advisable to create a backup of a specific point in time or of the files that aren't locked. This will allow you to recover only a very small portion of your data in the event of a computer disaster, which can then be restored manually.
One of the most important issues, and one that many users overlook, is that It is the manipulation that the data will undergo once the backup has been performedFor that, it is necessary to have a correct understanding of them and then store it in a place where it is protected from natural and physical contingencies.
Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that this backup data should not be duplicated, therefore You need to have quick access to each backup to avoid having duplicate copies of the same files. and thus save space in storage capacity.
Must be plan the schedule and the person designated to perform this task on a daily basis. This is necessary to establish a chain of trust that can validate backups and allow access to them without any issues.
Within the planning and management system, we must include that there has to be a procedure that alerts us when a backup could not be performed.
Finally, we need to analyze before making a backup, the software we will use for this purposeThis is necessary because much will depend on the encryption of the data so that, at the time of restoration, the backup is compatible with the encoded data.
List of the best programs for backing up Windows and Mac desktops
Then We'll show you the best programs you can use to back up your Windows PC or MacOS:
Amanda
With this open-source tool that is available, not only for Windows but also for LinuxYou can back up the most important files on your computer. To do this, you'll need to install this free software, which will give you access to a diverse platform that will protect your data.
In addition, it will include a control panel that will help you diagnose each backup you perform by date.
It is designed for users with basic knowledge, Therefore, it has intuitive controls that allow you to perform the programmed task very easily.In addition to the regular operations, you can monitor their implementation via a calendar. The version is free.
Download Amanda Linux
Backup Maker
With this tool you can perform backups, not only on local devices but also that you can run it with remote access to different serversIt features a smart scheduler and doesn't require much space for installation. Furthermore, it allows users to easily access their file explorer and instantly verify whether the backup was performed correctly.
This program is very intuitive and is available for Windows operating systems. It supports FTP servers and is free for the first 30 days. Then you will have to pay €25 for a professional edition.
Download Backup Maker Windows
Backblaze.com
This is backup software that allows you to run a backup for your MacWith this program you can do everything the automatic transfer of your backup and saving it to DropboxYou can access it from anywhere, even if you can't log in with your macOS computer. Backblaze allows you to schedule weekly updates, which will help you remember your cybersecurity.
You will have available up to 4 TB and you'll have to pay €5 per month to enjoy this tool. It has a free version for the first 30 days and is considered by many users to be one of the most highly recommended data backup programs.
Carbonite.com
We recommend this company's service because it will give you the option of backing up your files using an external hard drive that you can access from anywhere to modify your files.It features 128-bit encryption and automatically backs up the information, according to the schedule that you can easily access.
It has an annual subscription, a little over €110A free copy is available for backups with Microsoft Office 365, so you can find This program on Windows computers.
superduper!
It's a much cheaper version than the previous one. You'll have to pay around €26 for it, and it's available for MacOS operating systems.You can also access a free version and get all the features you need to schedule backups efficiently.
It supports TPF servers and offers a very simple control panel for scheduling and synchronizing backups. It also provides a report of any instances where the backup failed.
Download SuperDuper! macOS
List of the best apps for backing up Android and iOS mobile devices
Just like we showed you the best tools for your computer, We will now tell you which are the most outstanding software programs that will help you make backups and that you can install on your Android or iOS mobile device:
PhonePaw
You can update your iPhone in a few simple steps And you can back up your most important files with this tool. With it, you can easily recover data from your iPhone, including the operating system and backing it up.
This makes it a powerful software that will give you peace of mind if you lose your mobile phone or your files. It has a free version.
Download FonePaw for macOS
Easy Backup
You are available for both Android and iOS operating systemsIt offers a free version and a Pro version, which gives you access to tools that make it easier to schedule backups on your mobile device.
It provides user support and you can access the server, which offers ample storage capacity.
Mobiledit
You will need to install this tool on your computer to be able to enjoy all of it. Manage your mobile device, both Android and iOSIt offers the option to perform a backup periodically and has the ability to clone your SIM card to obtain the same phone number on another chip.
It has a free version and a paid version., which will give you better tools for saving photos and videos.
