Imagine you have just made the final changes to the presentation you will make to your boss in the morning. Your career hinges on the outcome of this meeting. But you have worked hard and are confident that you will impress her with your sleek graphics. You have all the information you need on your trusty computer.
You go to sleep and while you dream of promotions, there was a power surge that knocked out your computer. It also knocked the wind out of your sails, too because you did not back up your files. What can you learn from this lesson that happens to more people than you can imagine.
Backing up your data is an important step in using your computer. Not backing up may not get you fired or demoted to a lower paying job, but will save you trouble and anxiety. Also, storing your important data in only one place, is akin to putting your entire life savings in one mutual fund. Mutual funds, like hard drives, fail when you expect them to keep you running. Hard drives spin at speeds reaching 7200 rpms, and even though they can tolerate high levels of jarring and jostling, problems still occur that may lead to physical damage and possible data loss.
Data loss can occur through no fault of your own. Possible events that can lead to data loss include a power surge, lighting strike, tampering, and equipment failure. This is why it is essential to back up your important data.
A safe way to backup is to make copies of your files onto a disk, and store them in a separate place so you can easily access the information when you need it. Depending on how importance the data is, you may want to store the disks in a safe-deposit box, or simply in a desk drawer at work.