Worst and Best Choices for Backing-Up Computer Data

It only takes one computer crash to alert a user that data needs to be backed up somewhere for the unexpected and unnerving "just-in-case" situations where the information that was stored on the computer's hard drive is suddenly gone.

This brief overview provides a list of computer back-up options starting with the probably most common but least desirable and going to the best and most secure options. The relative pros and cons of each option are outlined.

Backing up your data in/on:

1. Another section of the main Hard Drive (usually, the "C" drive.)

PROS: Easiest. This is often the default back-up location in new computers with single hard drives. The process can be easily programmed to run automatically on most computers.

CONS: If the computer crashes, the loss of data on the hard drive is the first concern and most likely bad consequence. Saving data to a different section ('partition') of the single hard drive will not protect the back up from being lost along with everything else. This option is more of an 'appearance of back-up' than it is of useful data security and irretrievability. This option is functionally a waste of time.

2. A second Hard Drive in the computer (often, the "D" drive.)

PROS: Quite easy. The data is saved on the second ("slave") hard drive. Easy to automate and will save the data IF the only thing corrupted in the crash was the main ("C") drive.

CONS: Unfortunately, system crashes often corrupt or destroy the data on all hard drives that are operating within the same system.

3. Removable media (CD/DVD/Thumb Drive)

PROS: Relatively easy. The data is stored on media that do not remain in or become parts of the system. Therefore, in the event of a crash, they remain unimpacted and can be transferred back onto the "C" drive or onto another computer once the problem has been repaired, resolved or replaced.

CONS: As a rule, removable media back-ups cannot be automated. The user needs to remember to do this on a regular basis for it to be useful

4. External Hard Drive

PROS: An external hard drive, usually connected by a USB cable, can be automated with most any back-up program and can be unplugged to fully separate it from the system when needed. External hard drives usually have as much storage space as an internal one so can hold much more data that standard removable media.

CONS: An external hard drive will require space, cabling, another place to plug something (else) in. It is best to disconnect these drives between back-ups to assure the sanctity of the data they hold. This can be hard to remember to do!

Generally, these inconveniences and the cost of the drive are outweighed by the added security it provides to your data on an automated bases.

5. "Cloud" Storage

PROS: Your data is backed up to large servers, via the internet, that are nowhere close to your own computer and are said to be quite secure and able to safely store huge volumes of data that can be retrieved at any time from any computer. Cloud storage is routinely an automated function, sometimes updating every time you add to or change something about your own data. This is, probably, the singular most reliable and secure method of back-up.

CONS: Limited amounts of storage space are often available at no cost. More complete data storage requires an annual or monthly charge. Many people do not feel comfortable with having their personal information and data stored "somewhere else."

6. Two of the above

PROS: In technological terms, the idea is to add security with the use of "redundancy." Using two roads to get to the same place helps assure that even if one of them is blocked, you can still get where you need to go. Two back-ups are better than one.

The most reliable and secure pair is made up of #'s 4 and 5 (External Hard Drive and Cloud storage.)

CONS: There are none.

If your data is worth having, it is probably worth backing up. Not backing up is tantamount to skating on thin ice.