The large corporations that determine how economically progressive we are, use data for their every function. In fact, there are several instances when corporations which have lost large volumes of data, have had to wind up. Considering data is so important, it is rather troubling that data loss is rampant. Over the years, companies have spent vast amounts of money in securing data as much as possible. Even common users have begun to understand the importance of backing up data.

Backup

Data backup is an integral function that every computer user has to carry out religiously. Data loss can occur at the most unexpected times and can be catastrophic and expensive. There is no best time to back up data except it is best to back up files as and when they are created to keep memory constantly up to date. If that is too time-consuming, one should at least back up data at the end of a day's work. One must also check the backup media used on a regular basis to ensure that it is not corrupted. Also, most backup media have a limited shelf life; therefore, the best backup routine is to make backup of backups after a certain period of time.

What to Back up

Large corporations consider most data created within their organizations as requiring backup. There are mission critical files, which are backed up with great emphasis on security. Individual users, on the other hand, lay less emphasis on backup until, of course, they lose data that is precious. Rare is the case when a user hasn't faced data loss. For amateurs who don't know which data to back up and which they can afford to lose, there is a simple guideline; whatever one considers important should be backed up. A probable list of data that one might want to back up is as follows:

Address Book

Our address books are built over years of building contacts. There are social contacts, business contacts and utilitarian contacts. It is the means by which we remain in touch or connect with people who play some role or the other in our lives. Considering that we meet several people in our lives, it is almost impossible to remember every contact number or address. Therefore, an address book plays an important function. Losing address book data can be extremely problematic and inconvenient. We may not have any way of getting some numbers again. Address book data is definitely worth backing up and updating.

Photographs

Photographs are a window to our lives, a way we can recall some of the most precious moments we have lived. Wedding pictures, birthday photographs, special holidays, children's birthday pictures etc., give us a way to hold on to the memory long after the moment has past. Losing this data is almost like shutting the door on a wonderful past. Users, who have lots of digital photographs, should take care to back up at regular intervals, to ensure that the memories live on.

Songs and Video Files

Many users collect files of their favourite songs with a lot of care and effort. Searching for, downloading and finally storing are done painstakingly. Like photographs, even videos capture favourite moments. Losing both, can be heart-rending and while music can be collected again with some effort, losing the videos may not be so easy to revive. Therefore, it makes sense to back up these files.

Memoirs

Some people relive memories through memoirs or diary entries they make. They are deeply attached to the words they put down and nothing can replace them, if they happen to be lost. If a user stores thoughts on the computer, then it is absolutely essential that this data is backed up regularly.

Backup Media

Backup storage media come in varying sizes, shapes and prices. The market is flooded with external hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and USB drives. Increasingly, even online and remote backup is becoming extremely popular. Floppy disks were popular in the early days but storage needs have gone beyond what floppy disks could offer. As the volumes of data increase, the storage capacity of media gets bigger. Depending on a customer's needs and budget, the market has a suitable storage solution. For simple storage needs, CDs and DVDs are enough to do the job. If one needs a hardy and portable storage device, USB flash drives are the perfect solution.

Backing up data might seem a painful chore but it is even more painful if important data is lost. Therefore, it is wise for every computer user to take extra time out to back up important data.