To protect your important data, you need to know how to back up your computer. There are a number of different ways to do this. But first, let’s look at what it means to create a backup for a PC.
What does ‘perform a computer backup’ mean??
From backing up a computer, the user hopes that his files and data will be copied to a separate location and kept safe there. This is usually to prevent situations like hardware or software failures where data is lost. Backing up a PC can be compared to photocopying an important document.
By performing a computer backup, you protect your data and safeguard it against all possible situations.
Now that you know the basic concept of a PC backup, here are some of the most efficient ways to back up your data.
How to perform a computer backup
There are many methods to back up your computer. Each of these has its advantages, so choose the one that works best for you. Here now the overview of the different procedures for a computer backup.
1. Create a system image
This procedure is one of the easiest, as it does not require any third-party software or Internet access.
- Open the control panel (via the ‘Start’ button).
- Select ‘System and Security’ there.
- Next, click on ‘Backup and Restore’.
- Lastly, select ‘Create a system image’.
This will open a wizard that will guide you through the rest of the process. Now you have a virtual copy of your entire PC at your disposal.
2. Create a backup on an external drive
This procedure requires an external hard drive, preferably a slightly larger one, as it should back up your entire system. Among the disadvantages of this method is that an external hard drive is susceptible to the same problems as your computer. For example, if it is damaged or stolen, your data will be lost. Nevertheless, such an additional layer of security for your data is useful.
An external drive is perfect for an offline solution.
3. Create a backup on a cloud storage
This option is for good reason the most popular. In cloud storage, users can effortlessly store large amounts of data without it taking up space on any of their physical drives. So they can back up their computer backup to a completely different location. Cloud storage systems to consider include Dropbox, Box and digital asset management systems.
4. Create a point for system recovery
System Restore is an option in Windows that allows you to restore your computer to a specific point in time if needed.
- Open the ‘Control Panel’ (via the Start button) and go to ‘System and Security’.
- Then click on ‘System’.
- Select the ‘Computer Protection’ item.
- Click here on the button ‘Create …’. under ‘System protection.
Now you have created a restore point on your computer in case something goes wrong.
Don’t forget: accidents can happen at any time. This is especially true in the area of technology. With so many potential failure points and other possible problems, it is important to have a backup available.
Casey Schmidt – Content Manager and DAM Industry Expert | Canto
Casey Schmidt is Canto’s Content Manager and is interested in capturing complex topics and making them easy to understand for our readers.