Tag Archive for: external hard drive

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What’s the Best Method for Backing Up?

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As data recovery experts, we know the best way to keep your files safe and easy to retrieve – regular backups! We also know that backing up your computer sounds a little like gobbledegook to some, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’re going to share our knowledge of the best ways to back up your data, be it from your laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone.

Data Backup is saving your data to a separate server or device, to ensure you can always retrieve it no matter what happens to your computer. There are multiple ways to do this, most of which are simple to do, keep on top of and cost-effective, too.

The importance of regular data backup cannot be overstated – that goes for big multinational corporations, down to single users at home. Regular and reliable data back up ensures:

• You never lose your data.
• Your data is safe even if you’ve been hit by ransomware or other malware.
• If your computer breaks, you can access your important files from a different one, where ever you are.
• You should never need the services of data recovery specialists!

Different Back-up Methods
There are three main back-up methods that work well and are easy to perform.

External Hard Drive
The first of the three is to buy an external hard drive and regularly connect it to your devices to save any new files and data you’ve created and want to keep safe. Thanks to intense competition, it’s possible to buy good quality and reliable hard drives for a reasonable price. And, once you done your initial back up, you should only need to connect the hard drive to your computer with a USB cable and hit start to repeat the process.
The main potential problem with this method is your data is irretrievable if the hard drive is lost, stolen or badly damaged.

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Internet Backup
Many storage companies offer online internet storage and regular backups to ensure all the data you need is safe and available to you. This method means your data is always available when you’re online and easy for you to retrieve. Provided you opt for a well-managed company, your data will be safe from loss, theft and damage.
But, you will likely have to pay a monthly fee or a special offer, annual charge.

Cloud Storage
While not strictly backup, it’s as near to it as most people want it to be and keeps your data safe and retrievable. The best-known cloud storage companies – iCloud, Dropbox and Googledrive – to name but a few, tend to offer some storage to subscribers for free. That storage is typically only a few gigabytes and you’ll need to pay for more space. While your data won’t reside online, but on a server in an un-specified country, it’s still simple to save your data – it’s often done automatically – and also, easy to get back. The main con here is paying for large amounts of server space.

The Best Backup Method is any two, or even all of the above! There is typically some cost associated with all the best data storage and backup, particularly when you’re looking at larger amounts of space. When you’re paying for backup and data storage space, be sure you’re using a company you trust and are getting good value for money.
Opt for the methods you’re most comfortable with in terms of performing the backup, accessing the files in your moment of need and on a cost level too.

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The back-up clash: cloud vs external hard drive

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With the days of having a locked filing cabinet to store all your important data now long gone, your modern-day options are the cloud and external hard drives. But, how can you know which is the right choice? Both have pros and cons and both involve some cost and risk.
We’ve broken down some key details of both to help you decide which is the right option for you.

Security

From a security point of view, an external hard drive is hard to beat. It’s in your possession, in a safe place of your choosing and only yourself and those you allow, have access to it. A technology thief with a specific interest in hard drives aside, it’s safe in your hands.
If you store your data on the cloud, you’re handing your data over to a complete stranger, who may not be able to keep your data safe regardless of the measures they have put in place. Yes, online security and technology is improving all the time. But, the people who want that data are also consistently upping their game, making it a tough, ongoing battle.
We say: the external hard drive is the winner on security, for the moment at least.

Data portability and accessibility

This is a tough one.
A personal external hard drive is small and easily portable. It can also be connected and used regardless of whether or not there is an internet connection. But, if you don’t have the right cable or wireless operating system, then its contents are inaccessible.
The cloud, meanwhile, is available anywhere in the world where you can get online. You can access most cloud-based content from any device, provided you can remember your username and password, that is!
We say: the cloud wins on portability and accessibility, although it’s a close call.

Cost

When it comes to cost, you have to look at the different levels of data storage you require.
The price of personal external hard drives is lower than ever at the moment, which makes them financially inviting for storage between 50 gigabytes and up to 5-6 terabytes.
When it comes to the cloud, you can get free storage for up to 50 gigabytes from companies such as google, dropbox, SkyDrive and iCloud. You could use a few different ones and get a reasonable amount of online storage for free, or you can start paying for more storage from a single provider. It’s not a lot more than a hard drive, but, if you don’t spread your cloud storage around, it will be more expensive until you get to the really big numbers, terabytes. At that point it will be cheaper and more practical to opt for cloud storage.
We say: external hard drive wins for regular storage levels.

The winner is…

Based on our brief look at these three key details, it looks like the external hard drive is the winner! It’s a close call though and not always the right choice for everyone.
Another option, if you’re still not convinced, is to hedge you bets and use both. If you make use of the free cloud storage to double back up your most prized data files, then it’s a win, win. And, you can decide for yourself which works best for you.