How to Backup and Restore Your Computer

Backing up is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to your computer system. Data recovery services can cost over $2,000! You can always replace your computer, but you can't replace your precious memories. Documents aren't easy to recreate. When you have a good backup system, your pictures, videos, music and documents are always in two or more places. You can even have your applications, settings, email and contacts backed up. If something goes wrong with your system, you will be ready. Your system can easily be restored in minutes, not days.

What Needs to be Backed Up?

Irreplaceable files like pictures, videos and documents are usually a good place to start. Ask yourself which programs you have that you won't be able to reinstall. This will help you determine what kind of backup you need.

File Backup vs. Drive Imaging

If you just need to backup files and folders, a file backup is what you're looking for. If you need your entire hard drive backed up; files, applications and the operating system, you will need a drive image.

Schedule and Verify Backups

Backups can be scheduled to run automatically. It's important that you verify the scheduled backups to make sure they are working on schedule and contain all of the data.