Whether you’re a student or a business owner, backing up your system is an important aspect of any data preservation strategy. Here are some tips to help you pick the best system for you.
Things To Consider
Storage Capacity
Determine the collective space that your computer or laptop has, and match your storage capacity with that. If you have more budget to spare, opt to buy as big a storage capacity as your money can afford.
Speed
Online storage is the slowest of all options, secondary internals are the fastest but require tedious installation, externals are fast and easy to set-up.
Technical Knowledge
Depending on your level of technical knowledge, several options may or may not be quite as easy to manage and use.
Back-Up Software
Inexpensive hard drives don’t come with the necessary back-up software solutions. Purchasing a separate software package could cost you more. Ensure that the product you’re buying comes equipped with the software needed.
Number of Devices
If more than one computer intends to use the system, consider investing in a network drive to serve all devices within the network.
Secondary Back-Up
For information and data that’s particularly important, consider securing secondary back-up at an offsite location for extra security.
Features To Look For
User Friendly
A simple back-up procedure makes it easy and hassle-free to perform the process, even without professional assistance.
Drive Imaging
Mirror all of your files on your drive with drive imaging which copies not only essential files, but all files to create an exact replica of primary drive.
Access Files Remotely
Allows you remote access to the files in your computer via an internet connection.
Multiple Device Compatibility
If you have more than one computer that you want to back-up, ensure that the drive you’ve purchased allows this function.
Media Streaming
This feature allows users to stream all types of media to audio, video, and gaming devices within the network.
Portable
For users who intend to bring their drives along with them, smaller models make much better solutions.
Connection Options
USB
Most widely used connection however has a tendency to be slow; links devices and computers via cables and ports.
Firewire 400 or 800
More commonly used with Macs. Compatibility can be an issue with PCs.
eSATA
Fairly new, rare on the market. Find out if your device has this port before buying an eSATA drive.
Ethernet
Used for network drives. Connects to your internet router.
Thunderbolt
The newest and fastest of all drive connections. Compatible with all Macs and some PC models.