Overkill

When it comes to computer data backup, is there such a thing as too much?

No. 

It may be like writing a check to Bill Gates, but the alternative can be catastrophic!

When it comes to our computer systems and computer repair, the vast majority of our labors here at Travel Tech revolve around data.  More specifically, your data.  When a customer’s computer won’t turn on, or a laptop screen breaks, the first thing we’re ever asked is – ‘can you get my data off the hard drive?‘  Our computers are just hot hunks of carbon and silicon without the data that we’ve put into them.  So why is so little average consumer interest put in to backing up their documents?

It’s very human to put data backup off to a rainy day, but just like everything else – external drives get dropped and jam, hard drives lock up and stop working, systems overheat and short out electronics, and all of a sudden, your photography portfolio, family history documentation, kid’s birthday party pictures, or priceless business records have disappeared in a puff of digital smoke.

Every mechanical and electrical system on Earth has a lifespan.  There’s a number floating around somewhere on how many times you can turn your computer on and it works correctly; and every day that we use this equipment, that number goes down by a few ticks.  We are working with computer systems where, it’s not a matter of if, but WHEN these systems will fail.  We should all plan accordingly!

So what can we do to counteract this looming digital apocalypse?  Back it up!

We recommend at least TWO methods of data backup for critical files.  There are a ton of options, several of which are actually free, that can help preserve your computer data.

  1. External Hard Drive
    Every Wal-Mart carries these for under $100.  With USB connectivity, it’s as simple as dragging and dropping your files to create a ready-to-go duplicate.
  2. Internal Hard Drive
    This takes a bit more work, but these typically perform a little better than external.  There are even options to have your files automatically backup to another internal drive.
  3. Cloud
    Whether you use OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or a number of other apps, cloud backup is the most versatile option.  Great for people that have more than one computer; with an internet connection, you can use a cloud service to share files between them as well.
  4. Network Drive
    This option is limited to your wired home network, but can be a fantastic and fast option for both sharing files between many devices and backing up multiple computers to one location.

Need more help with data backup or home wired networking?  Call us!  We have years of experience in computer repair and other services, and can help make sure you won’t fall victim to data loss.

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