EventPro User Manual

What Backup Media to Use

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What Backup Media to Use

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What Backup Media to Use

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We highly recommend that you back up data files on removable media.  While it can be somewhat useful to save network files on the hard drive of a computer (in case something goes wrong with the network), data saved in two different places on one computer will not be helpful when the whole computer crashes.

You also want to be able to take your backups off-site, where they will be safe from any type of disaster that occurs at the workplace.  The most carefully recorded backup tapes will not be helpful if they are destroyed in the same building as the computers.

1.Floppy Disk: The floppy disk is all but obsolete these days.  They hold too little data, are too easily damaged and have too short a life-span for useful data backup.
2.CDs or DVDs: CDs and DVDs are now often used for data backup because they are cheap and easy to use.  Also, most computers come with a CD and/or DVD burner, so it is easy to share the backup information.  Exercise caution with this medium, though.  As we have all experienced, DVDs and CDs can sometimes be “unreadable” for no apparent reason and they have a short life-span due to scratches or other damage.
3.Tape Drive: This has been the standard backup choice for years, although some experts now question whether it is becoming obsolete in the era of so many alternatives.  Good quality tape drives and associated media can be expensive, and, like any removable media, tapes will inevitably wear out.
4.External Hard Drives:  These exist separately from your computer system and can be dedicated purely to data backup.  External hard drive systems have a large storage capacity and are easy to install – you can simply plug them into your computer’s USB port.  Like all computer hard drives, though, they can fail or be damaged by mishandling.
5.USB Flash Drives:  These are also commonly referred to as pen drives, key drives and memory sticks.  They have quick transfer speeds and are extremely easy to install.  However, they can be expensive and it can be costly to buy enough of them to use in a regular backup cycle (refer to How Often to Back Up Data, below).
6.Zip Drives: Zip disks are faster and more durable than the old 3.5-inch floppy disks, and they can hold more information.  While Zip drives are easy to install, other users must also have the Zip drive in order to share the data, and it seems that Zip drives are becoming less common now.        
7.Online Services: There are now a number of companies offering online backup services.  You can schedule your backups and let the computer automatically back up files on the web.  Use extreme caution if you choose this method and consider the security of your data.  The company should be very reliable and should use proper security precautions such as encryption and secure servers.  Even so, you may not want to back up sensitive business data by this method.

For ease of reference, we will call the backup media “tapes” in these instructions.