| Computers form a major part of our modern lives. | | | | the USB port on your computer and you can literally |
| They make things easier for us, allow us to be more | | | | drag and drop files into them. They hold only small |
| productive, let us communicate with friends and | | | | amounts compared to your computer hard drive. You |
| loved ones, and they're a source of fun and | | | | can get drives that go up to 16mb and above. This is |
| entertainment. It's no surprise that the computer | | | | a good solution for documents, which take up little |
| holds a lot of files and information - some of which | | | | file space. They're also nice for transferring files |
| may be priceless. | | | | quickly from one computer to another. Many schools |
| Many people use digital cameras and digital video | | | | have student use a jump drive to store their |
| recorders. If you do, your data is most likely stored | | | | classroom data on. |
| on the hard drive of your computer. This is not just | | | | The external hard disk drive, or exHDD, is an |
| computer data, it's a priceless storage place of | | | | excellent backup solution. These drives are just like |
| memories. Losing it all would be devastating. | | | | the hard drive in your computer - except they sit on |
| If you use your computer for work or schoolwork, | | | | your own. They plug into your computer and you can |
| your data is very important. Losing it could set you | | | | drag and drop files to them just as you would files |
| back months, even years. It could bring projects to a | | | | within your computer. They can hold massive |
| complete standstill - or even make it impossible for | | | | amounts of data. Terabyte sized exHDD are on the |
| you to finish some. | | | | market now and will probably seem small in a few |
| I know from the experience of deleting several files | | | | years! This is the solution you want for storing your |
| accidentally that even a little mistake can cost a lot | | | | music and pictures. You can buy software to help |
| of time and frustration. And I know from having a | | | | automate and manage your backups. |
| computer system fail on me that a problem can | | | | A newer backup solution for you to consider is online |
| occur anytime - and without warning. | | | | backup. This is a relatively new industry, but it shows |
| Regular backups not only preserve your data in case | | | | a lot of promise. You securely transmit your backup |
| you delete a by accident, they also keep you | | | | data via your internet connection. It goes into a |
| protected in the event of a catastrophic computer | | | | password-protected storage folder on a server |
| failure. Computer backup is not an option, it is a | | | | housed in your backup companies facilities. You pay |
| requirement. Luckily for us, the options for backing up | | | | monthly for this service. Since it's an online backup, it |
| our computer data today are robust and extensive. | | | | can take time, especially the first backup. If you |
| The simplest way to back your data up is the use of | | | | download a whole lot of music it may not be the |
| writable CD's or DVD's. Most newer computers come | | | | best choice. However, there are huge advantages to |
| with a CD or DVD burner. You can simply choose the | | | | having your data stored at a remote location - if |
| files you want to save and burn them to disk. Your | | | | anything happens to your house and computer, your |
| computer probably comes with software to allow | | | | data is safe. |
| you to do this. If it doesn't, there are many CD/DVD | | | | You can weigh the pros and cons yourself. I |
| burning suites available for purchase. | | | | personally use a service called iDrive and find it gives |
| The problem with this tactic is the ease of damage | | | | me a lot of peace of mind. They offer both online |
| to the disk, and the fact that generally you can't | | | | backup, and a small portable hard drive. Data is |
| overwrite the data. Sometimes this is advantage, but | | | | backed up to their servers and to my little drive. This |
| sometimes it's a hassle. You have an ever-growing | | | | gives me two backup copies. I have been very |
| pile of disks! I recommend you back up certain things, | | | | pleased. Another service provider to consider is Mozy. |
| perhaps pictures or a web site you own, to disk. | | | | No matter what you decide, don't neglect to set up |
| There are better options for your entire computer. | | | | a backup plan. It's not a matter of if - it's a matter of |
| Another option good for a small amount of data is | | | | when there will be a problem with your computer. |
| the "jump drive." These drives go by as many names | | | | Don't lose important documents, a large music |
| as there are colors in the rainbow. Jump drive, thumb | | | | collection, or even more important - your priceless |
| drive, pen drive, and USB stick are several that you'll | | | | memories. |
| probably hear. These nifty little gadgets plug right into | | | | |