As the amount of data we store continues to increase, backing up important documents, files, and other data is becoming increasingly essential.
Making sure the data is backed up saves us from losing irreplaceable memories or vital documents and helps ease the burden of recovering lost information. Be it photo recovery, contact information recovery, or any other type of data, a backup is a must.
With so many data backup methods, it can be hard to decide on the best option for you.
Below, you will find a look at the best data backup options in detail, so you will know which one to choose for yourself.
External Hard Drives
External HDDs are a reliable and affordable way as far as data backup solutions go.
This method allows you to store large amounts of data in an easily transportable drive that plugs directly into your computer’s USB port.
Plus, a number of external hard drive models provide automatic backup capabilities so that your data is constantly backed up without any extra effort from you.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive are an easy way to securely keep files without having to worry about physical storage space.
Many cloud storage providers offer generous free plans with ample space allocated for users, and they also offer additional features like automatic file syncing across multiple devices and secure encryption protocols for added security.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
NAS devices provide users with powerful options for backing up files through both local access and remote access options via the internet.
For example, Synology NAS systems come equipped with built-in RAID support allowing users to back up their files locally in real-time and remotely over the internet by creating a secure connection between two Synology systems.
Backup Software
Backup software can be used on any type of device—from PCs to Macs—and gives users the ability to select which folders they want to be backed up as well as how often they wish for them to be backed up (daily, weekly, etc.).
Popular choices include Acronis True Image and Carbonite Pro Premier – both of which allow you to schedule backups automatically so that you never miss out on a single update or version of your files, no matter where they’re stored on your system.
Tape Drives
Tape drives were once used primarily by businesses but have become increasingly popular among home users thanks to their cost-effectiveness and reliability in long-term storage solutions for critical business or personal information that might need to be archived or recovered at some point in the future.
DVD/CD Burning Software
DVD/CD burning software is an economical choice for backing up smaller amounts of data, such as photos or important documents, that don’t necessarily require large amounts of physical media space for storage purposes.
Plus, it’s easy enough that anyone can use it without having technical knowledge about computers or complicated settings menus.
Some of the best-known tools are Nero Burning ROM and Roxio Creator NXT Pro 9 – both offering simple drag-and-drop user interfaces with plenty of customization options available when burning discs or transferring files between different types of media (from CDs/DVDs/BluRays).
USB Flash Drives
USB flash drives are perhaps one of the most convenient ways to back up your files since all modern computers have USB ports making them incredibly easy to use– just plug in your USB flash drive into any computer’s USB port and start transferring files.
And if you lose your flash drive along the way, there are plenty of tracking applications, such as Prey Project, that can help locate it again quickly and easily (ensuring no one else accesses its contents).
Online Backup Services
Online backup services such as CrashPlan make it possible for you to securely back up all kinds of digital content online using military-grade encryption protocols.
In addition, these services usually come with extra neat features like remote file access from anywhere in the world via web browsers & mobile apps so that you may always see and use the files even if something happens locally, preventing you from using computers.
Conclusion
As technology continues advancing at breakneck speeds, our need for reliable backup solutions will only become stronger.
Luckily, there are now numerous ways available today that give us peace of mind knowing our precious memories & vital documents will remain safe even if disaster strikes.
