With the invent of Time Machine and other automated backup systems, keeping a current backup of your data is easier than ever before. So easy in fact, that you’d think by now the majority of computer users would have opted for some form of backup solution. Unfortunately you’d be wrong. With surveys indicating up to 80% of users not backing up, millions are putting their digital lives at risk. As we become increasingly reliant on the computer as a means of storing our personal information and digital media, the impact of data loss can be catastrophic. Thankfully, there are several ways to take measures against loosing data. Ranging from basic to comprehensive, there are backup solutions for all budgets and levels of experience. Here is a list of the ten most commonly used.
10. NAS:
No, I’m not talking about the rapper. NAS stands for network attached storage, and though not as tight as the artist’s lyrical stylings, when set up properly, it is still pretty gangsta. Utilized by many businesses and individuals for a variety of uses, NAS devices make great backup servers. Instead of relying on a hard-lined external drive, NAS devices backup over a network. A great benefit of running a NAS device is that one can be shared amongst several machines. This is especially useful in the context of an office environment. Once configured, workstations can backup directly to a NAS device, making backups automatic and effortless.
9. CD/DVD/Blu-ray:
Though many speculate that optical media is on its way out, it shouldn’t be overlooked for its potential in creating cheap and quick backups of important files. With Blu-ray as an exception, one CD or DVD typically lacks the necessary capacity to create complete backups for most users. Though some spread their data across a series of discs, many select only their most important or sensitive data when backing up with this method. Even though it is currently unsupported by Mac OS X, Blu-ray is a feasible option for PC users who are looking to burn a substantial about of their data to one disc. The main benefit to using disc based backups is that the price of writable media is very cheap. Currently, blank DVDs can be obtained for less than a dollar a piece. The down side to this method is that optical media discs do not last forever. Over the span of several years there is the potential for burned data to be lost. More immediate concerns include scratching or misplacing important discs.
8. USB Flash Drive:
Often viewed as an equally affordable yet more durable alternative to optical media, USB flash drives are a valuable backup tool. Offered in a range of capacities, these small external drives store data on solid state chips, making them compact and sturdy. Though lower capacity drives are great for backing up select data, investing in a high capacity drive is ultimately more beneficial. With capacities as high as 256GB, many higher end drives can accommodate the entirety of a user’s data. As the drives are easily rewritable, data can be updated or replaced at any point.
7. MobileMe:
Apple’s annual subscription based service offers subscribers a wealth of useful features. Among them are 20GB of dedicated online storage. Dubbed the iDisk, this virtual drive mounts to the Finder in a similar fashion to a physical external. Users can access their iDisk from any computer with a modern browser and an internet connection. This enables the ability to backup and share files with almost any computer. While 20GB is typically not enough to allow for a comprehensive backup, the iDisk makes a great primary or secondary backup for select important files.
6. Online Backup:
In addition to the bundled storage that comes as part of MobileMe, several online based backup companies have emerged in recent years. These services allow users to automate backups online, and store their information off-site and under varying levels of encryption. In many cases these services provide duplicate backups at separate server farms to ensure reliability and data security.
5. Drobo:
The Drobo by Data Robotics, inc is a revolutionary new way to back up data. With several multi-bay models available, the Drobo uses BeyondRAID technology to safely store user data. Essentially, with multiple drives installed, a Drobo keeps redundant backups of all files. In the event of a drive failure, data is relayed across healthy drives until the failed drive is replaced. The beauty of the Drobo lies in its expandability. Unlike a traditional RAID array, a multi-bay Drobo can be loaded with different sized drives, giving you only as much storage as you need. Though it may sound complicated, the Drobo is actually very simple to use. Designed with consumers in mind, the Drobo is plug and play. Though it is among the more pricey backup solutions, the Drobo is worth the added cost due to its expandability and reliability.
4. Apple Time Capsule:
The Time Capsule is a great backup solution for users looking for both a backup drive and a wireless router. Essentially combining the brains and functionality of the Airport Extreme Base Station with a server grade hard drive, the Time Capsule allows for easy and automated Time Machine backups. Much like a NAS, the Time Capsule can accommodate and manage backups from a number of different networked machines. On the other side of things, the Time Capsule is a fantastic router. Supporting features such as networked printing and accommodating up to 50 wireless clients, the Time Capsule is a great choice for households and small businesses.
3. Time Machine:
Time Machine is Apple’s automated backup software which first debuted with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard in October of 2007. Due to its simple interface and integration with OS X, it is one of the best pieces of Mac backup software to date. Time Machine creates a comprehensive backup of a user’s machine, and then supplements any changes or additional data in subsequent backups. In the event of a hard drive failure, users can easily restore their machine from a recent backup. If you are diligent about backing up your data, or have a Time Capsule backup for you, Time Machine should restore you to right where you left off.
2. External Hard Drive:
Call me old fashioned, but a hard-lined external drive is still my backup solution of choice. Featuring a wide range of capacities and connectivity options, external drives can fit a wide range of uses. With USB 2.0 based drives in 1TB + capacities now available for under $100, they are certainly among the more affordable backup solutions. Many users even choose to backup their data to two external drives. One to keep on-site, and one to encrypt and keep at a friend or family member’s house.
1. Floppy:
Ok, just kidding. However, many of us fondly remember the days when the Floppy reigned supreme. Personally, my first experience with Floppy was loading Pepper Mouse on System 7, but it had a well established history prior to that. With implementation into homes, businesses, and schools beginning in the mid-1970s, Floppy was the first widely received and affordable means of data storage and exchange. Though its time has passed, USB Floppy drives still exist today if you are feeling nostalgic.