How to Save Your Computer Files

Many people store lots of various files on their computers. From personal experience, there are many advantages and disadvantages to using a computer to store data. The advantages are easy access to your files, saves money, and being able to keep your files organazined in a sufficient manner. The disadvantages are losing your files if your pc crashes; I lost all my files due to a surge shock to my pc. Important files can also be lost through a pc by a virus and anyone else who uses your pc. If you plan on saving your files on a pc, you should make lots of backups. In this article, I will review many ways you can ensure your data will not be lost.

The first way that you can positively ensure your files will be protected is to create a backup disk of every file you wish to keep. This is very simple and fast process. It consists of storing your data onto a blank cd, which are called cd-rs. You can also use a dvd-r; I will know tell you the difference. A cd-r is a cd type disk that holds 700mb of disk space, and a dvd-r is a dvd type disk that holds up to 4 gigabytes of disk space. I would choose the dvd-r, it will save you money in the long run, 1 dvd-r equals to about 6 cd-rs. If you're going to use cd-rs and dvd-rs you also must make sure you have the correct burner too create your data backups. A cd-r is used with a cd-rw drive, a dvd-r is used with a dvd-rw drive, and you can also just get a 2-in one drive which consists of a dvd-rw/cd-rw drive. You can purchase these types of disks and burners at any store that sells computer supplies and equipment

The second way to protect your files is purchasing an external hard drive. This can cost you a lot more than purchasing a 20 dollar pack of cd-rs or dvd-rs, they range from $100.00 and $300.00. It mostly depends on the space that you require too store your files, from 20 gigs too 1000gigs. This is a very easy and convenient way to store your files and increase space on your pc. The external drive as a plug that goes into the wall and a usb cable that plugs into your pcs usb port. Once you transfer the data from your pc to the external drive you can unplug it from the wall and pc. This will ensure nothing happening too your data as from a storm or any other electrical hazards. Most external drives have internal power so if the power goes out and you need your files you can use the external drive.

The third way to protect your files is too buy or download a free antivirus, spyware, adware, and pop-up blocking program. For those who are not sure what these files are I will let you know, viruses are harmful files that can delete important files and also crash your pc. Spyware and adware are cookies sent to your computer from websites or pop-ups which tracks your internet activity; they also slow down your pc and make it vulnerable for viruses. Pop-ups are ads which show up when you view certain sites and if you click on them they can install viruses, adware and spyware all which are very harmful. If you have a very good antivirus, spyware and adware program installed and kept up to date you should be safe from any and all harmful threats. You can purchase this kind of program from your ISP provider, or any retail computer store.

The next step to protect your files is too keep up with your windows updates, which most people run a windows based operating system. Windows is very vulnerable too viruses and other attacks, so make sure to keep it updated as much as possible for your file safety is very important.

Another step is to make sure you do a disk cleanup and a disk defrag every so often. This will help keep your files clean and junk free so no viruses or bad files can endanger your files. If these tasks are performed on a regular basis your pc will run in perfect condition.

The final step too ensure file protection is for all your files, like images, video, music, and text you can send it to your email or a hosting site. These sites and your email are stored on an online server and if your pc crashes they will be safe.

If you are worried about data storage and have important files you just cannot lose, you should ensure that you follow these steps to protect your files. This is especially important if you have a business, personal files, family and friend pictures and many other files. Many people have lost important files year after year and it costs millions of dollars in trying to recover data and getting new pcs, please do not let this be you.