Back Up Your Most Important Data

Backing up your data is something everyone should be doing but many do not. This week I had a customer who reminded me of the importance of backing up your data. There are infections out there that can disable your windows from working correctly and leaving you no alternatives except to do a Full Re-installation of your Operating System. (XP, Vista, Windows 7)

This particular infection targeted Executable files and Screen Saver files. The Worm/Virus spreads to any Executable or any Screen Saver. They are random and there is no set pattern as to what the infection will target. This could include legitimate windows system files and other non important files. The longer the infection resides the more files it infects. So it could infect your installation program for a new game or program. It could also infect vital Windows System files that your system needs to run. While some files may be of no consequence others becoming infected could be devastating.

The customer in this particular case thankfully was able to back up his data before the machine became inoperable. Though his machine still had to be rebuilt from scratch, he did not lose any data. No computer is perfect and computers do break down mechanically over time. They also can be disabled by infections and viruses. The safest bet is to get your self some back up software. You can also do back ups on your own. Even backing up your most important documents onto a Flash Drive once a week can save you from the unexpected nightmare that could happen. Most documents use up very little space so they can easily be placed on a flash drive. If you have Pictures or Videos you will need more storage space for back-ups. There is software designed for backing up your files out there that you can purchase or you could use an online back up service.

It pays to plan ahead for these issues should they arise. It is the difference between being a slight inconvenience to have to reload windows and install your programs again as opposed to a disaster where you have lost all of your data and still need to reinstall windows. Saving your data is always priority number 1. Computers can be rebuilt or components replaced but data is usually non-recoverable if disaster strikes. You can back up your entire hard drive which will take a lot of time and space or you can just back up selected files.

The most important thing to remember is to back up your data on a regular basis. Whether it is important Tax or business documents, Music or videos, pictures or programs, back up your data. The time and effort and cost it takes are well worth it as opposed to losing everything you have on your PC.

Thanks for reading and have a very Happy Holiday

Steve

www.zolexpc.com