Hard drive backups are extremely important when storing data either in a business or at home. We all have important documents, financial information, programs, photos, videos and other files and folders that if were lost tomorrow many of us would be stuck. Lost memories and important information for work and school would have to be redone from scratch, not to mention the hassle of reinstalling everything again. A regular backup could save you time and money in the future.

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We cannot stress how important backups are, having a minimum of 1 backup per week can save you a phone call to us in the future.

 

Our computer backup options:

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• Hard drive cloning

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Direct copy of the original Hard Drive that is currently being used by your computer can be used as a replacement Hard Drive or to restore a drive as a backup.

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• System restore

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A system restore point is a snap shot of windows at a earlier point in time. This image can restore your computer to a time when it was working correctly. System restore points can be very handy, though may not fix any issues if the system restore point was created after the problem has occurred.

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• System image

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A system image is a copy of the required drives for Windows to run. It can also include additional drives. A system image can be used to restore your computer if your hard drive or computer ever stops working. You can use a external or internal hard drive to store the image, but the image cannot be located on the same drive you wish to backup. You can also use CD’s or DVD’s to store your backup. If you have extra drives in your computer they will be automatically added to the backup list if the C: drive requires programs or applications that are located on another drive. a system image can be a full disk back up, as long as you include all files, folders and other drives when performing the system image.

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• File history

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At set time intervals your computer will back up your files and documents to a removable USB or HDD. Note this doesn’t not include applications or Windows OS.

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• Copying file structure

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You can transfer all your files and documents to an external device like a HDD and free up some space on your internal HDD.

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• 3rd party applications

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There are many different back up software suppliers out there all competing for your business normally their free or trail version will only offer a minimal amount of data to be backed up or restored and only for a limited time. There are some recommendations on different types of software on the market and what they do on our LinQs page click here to see more.

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Hard drive devices have a shelf life of about 5 years but will last longer if proper handling and preventive maintenances is taken. A HDD (Hard Drive Device) have a half a hair width pin and a motor that sketches onto magnetic platters to store information.

With a HDD you must remember to be careful when handling it. By dropping, bumping or heavy vibration it may cause damage to the internal components of the drive. It also uses more power to run then an SSD and is more susceptible to environmental conditions such as heat and humidity. There are portable HDD’s powered by USB and independently powered HDD’s with their own power cable that you attach. Depending on the need of mobility for the backup and ease of use portable HDD’s are more recommended but if the HDD is to be stationary and you have extra space and a extra power plug then an independently powered HDD will be suitable.

 

SSD’s (solid state device) have flash memory chips installed on a board that contain the data. This means NO moving parts. They handle environmental conditions better and are not as susceptible to data loss or damage when bumped, dropped or heavy vibration occur. They are also have a faster transfer rate then HDD’s so backing up, transferring data, scanning with protection software will be performed much faster than a HDD and an overall increase in performance from applications and loading time for Windows when Windows is installed on the SSD, also they do not require as much power to run which results in less heat and less expense in the long run. They are a bit more expensive then HDD’s initially but for the performance and reliability and decreased wait time for your computer to load an SSD is a better option for the main drive of the computer.