1 Back Up Your Computer

2 Back up your files  Avoid losing photos, files, data  Schedule backups – store backups away from home in case of fire, flood, tornado, etc  Use CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, and other reliable sources of media

3 What to backup  Purchased software and music downloaded from the internet  Bank records, tax information, financial information  Photographs  address book  Personal projects  Internet Bookmarks (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc)

4 What media should I use to backup my files?  There are several options you can use to backup files. External drives, such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive CD/DVD Online backup utilities and storage  Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages  Find out more at this link: up.mspx up.mspx

5 Deciding on a method  Once you have chosen a media on which to backup your data, you will need to decide how to back it up.  If you’re using CDs/DVDs, you can ZIP (compress) the files before copying them.  How often will you need to back up?  You can copy files to an external hard drive or flash drive  Where will you store the backed-up media?  Will you use backup software, such as Norton Ghost or Windows Backup Utility?

6 Backup Basics Just because you backup your files once does not mean that you are finished.  Write on your calendar or put a reminder on your computer to backup your files routinely. Once per month is a good frequency to backup your files.  Store your backup media in a secure location. If you have backed up bank records and tax information, it’s best to put this media (CD, DVD, flash drive) in your safe or lockbox.  “Shelf life” for different forms of media vary. Know how long your storage media will last, and check to make sure it contains the data you backed up.

7 Backup Tips  The following web addresses provide very helpful information in addition to this presentation.  Protecting your Backup: otectbackup.mspx otectbackup.mspx  Using the Windows XP Backup Utility wbackup.mspx wbackup.mspx  What Media to Select (as linked earlier) erebackup.mspx erebackup.mspx