The Basics of Backing Up Your Computer System

By Glenda Palmer

Do you take your computer system for granted and forget to backup your files? Or are you unsure as to why you should perform a backup?

It is so easy to accidentally delete an important document. Instead of starting from scratch, a backup on disk can save you hours of work. And in the worst-case scenario, which does happen, if your hard drive crashes and everything is lost a backup will restore all your files. Rather than attempting to fix this problem on your own, however, I would recommend that you solicit the aid of a professional.

The following tips will ensure that your system runs smoothly, even if the inevitable happens.

When To Perform Backups

• Regularly scheduled backups should be done daily for files that you work on every day. Backups are your insurance policy against the loss of valuable data and/or files.
• Special one-time backups should be done for any software that you have downloaded from the Internet.
  

What Folders Require Regular Scheduled Backups

Regularly back up application data and environment settings. Your hard drive does not need backing up. Neither does the operating system (Windows 95/98/Me/XP) nor other software or programs for which you have CD's.

I recommend that you backup the following folders regularly:

C:\My Documents\ (The entire folder and any/all subfolders)
C:\Windows\All Users\Desktop folder C:\Windows\StartMenu folder
C:\Windows\Favorites folder
C:\Windows\SendTo folder
C:\Windows\ApplicationData\ (The entire folder and any/all subfolders. Windows keeps volatile data and settings’ information in this area, as do many other applications.)
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Communicator\Users\'your name'\bookmark.htm (For Netscape bookmarks – required for Netscape users only.)

Recommended Media for Storing Backups

Backing Up to Floppy Disks
These are suitable for backing up about 6 MB or less of data (about 4 floppies). More that 6 MB of data takes too much time.

Backing Up to Zip Drives
Each zip disk holds 100 MB, 250 MB, or more. CD-RW disks have largely replaced these.

Backing Up to CD-RW Disks (CD Re-Writable)
Each CD-RW disk holds 600 MB or more depending on what drive you buy. This is the fastest option.

Glenda Palmer is the owner of Private-Computer-Tutor, providing customized one-on-one training in London, Ontario. (519) 473-6422 training@glendapalmer.com

Published in Networking Today, October, 2001.