How to Backup Data: Don't Lose Everything
Hard drives fail. Phones get stolen. Laptops die. Without backups, your photos, documents, and memories can vanish instantly.
The 3-2-1 Rule
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage types
- 1 offsite (different location)
Example:
1. Original on computer
2. External hard drive at home
3. Cloud backup
What to Backup
- Photos and videos
- Important documents
- Creative projects
- Financial records
- Application settings
- Bookmarks and passwords
- Contact lists
- Work files
- Downloaded media (re-downloadable)
- Application installers
- Cached files
Backup Methods
Cloud Backup
- Automatic, continuous
- Offsite by default
- Accessible from anywhere
- Survives local disasters
- Monthly cost
- Depends on internet
- Privacy considerations
- iCloud — Best for Apple devices
- Google One — Works with Android, affordable
- Dropbox — Cross-platform, reliable
- Backblaze — Unlimited computer backup, inexpensive
External Hard Drive
- One-time cost
- Fast backup and restore
- No ongoing fees
- Works without internet
- Can be stolen with computer
- Can fail
- Requires manual action
- Buy 2x capacity of what you're backing up
- Schedule weekly backups
- Store one offsite if possible
Phone Backup
- iCloud backup (automatic, wireless)
- Computer backup via iTunes/Finder
- Google One backup
- Manufacturer backup (Samsung, etc.)
- Manual file transfer
Setting Up Automatic Backups
- Time Machine + external drive
- iCloud Drive for documents
- File History + external drive
- OneDrive for documents
- Enable cloud backup in settings
- Set to Wi-Fi only (save data)
- Verify it's working periodically
Testing Your Backups
Backups that don't work are useless.
- Try restoring a file
- Verify backup is current
- Check storage capacity
What Happens Without Backups
- Laptop stolen: All work gone
- Phone dropped: All photos gone
- Ransomware: Everything encrypted
- Fire/flood: All devices destroyed
Emotional and financial cost far exceeds backup cost.