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Data Backup: What are you waiting for?

January 1, 2008 |

For a small business owner, backing up computer data isn’t a luxury. It isn’t hard. And it’s not optional. Lose all or part of your stuff just one time, and you’ll be backing up seven ways from sundown, seven days a week.

And with all the backup tools that are out there, it’s so easy and so painless. I’ts a brand-new year, so if you’re not backing up your computer files the way you should, resolve to get it in gear and get it done. You know who you are. And yes, this is one resolution you can keep!

Don’t think it to death, either: Pick some simple backup tools and make them work for you. I back up my PC data three ways every day. Everything is automatic. Nothing to forget. Absolutely painless.

First, I use an inexpensive little program called Argentum Backup to save copies of my e-mail and Documents and Settings folders to an external hard drive. The beauty of Argentum software is that it saves files in their native format so you can immediately access them without using a “restore” function. Your MS Word file, for instance, is saved as a Word file on the external drive. This also makes your data mobile—you just grab the hard drive and go. Use your files with your laptop or with a PC in another location. Argentum offers a free trial, too.

I also use the Windows backup utility in XP Pro to save another copy of the important stuff to the external drive. Yes, this may be redundant, but it makes me feel … well … backed up one more time. Again, it’s on autopilot, so why not?

And best of all, I’m now using an online backup service. Whether there’s fire or flood or my hard drives just croak, I’m covered. There are lots of online services out there—query your favorite search engine to get a quick rundown. Then consider your needs, read reviews, and check prices.

Bottom line: A small business owner with a basic computer setup can’t go wrong with Carbonite or Mozy. Each has advantages and disadvantages,  but they’re both simple, cost-effective solutions to a potential data disaster. And isn’t that what you want to avoid?

I finally chose Carbonite for three reasons:  unlimited backup for a great price, a free trial period, and a nifty interface that works through Windows Explorer. Carbonite uses a visual “dot” system so you can immediately see what’s backed up—and what’s not—and make changes directly within Explorer. And if your computer is on, the program is working. I was sold from the minute I started the trial period.

So whatever lame excuse you’re using for not backing up your data, it’s time to let go and get moving. Don’t get caught with a data disaster and no options.

And Happy Backed-Up New Year!

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