We all have experienced or know someone who has experienced the frustration of losing precious digital photos because their computer hard-drive failed or became compromised by a virus, malware, or trojan. If your computer is ever compromised, it is more likely you will be infected with all three at once. Once an attack is successful, it usually opens the door for more attacks.
It is heart-breaking to lose precious photos! Once lost, forever lost (Well, usually. But that is another blog.) Reprinting from a negative is not an option from digital photos.
So, if you haven't had this happen to you, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY. If you have, then you have learned the hard way how important it is to have a backup plan.
Everyone should have at least one backup copy of all of their digital photos, downloaded music, tax documents and other important electronic information. I recommend no less than two backups. Nothing is fail-proof. Nothing. Most IT purists would recommend even more, including an off-site backup.
There are a lot of storage device options. Some common options are:
External Hard Drives (one time cost that averages about $75 - 100)
Compact Disks or CD's (ongoing cost that averages about $0.25 per CD)
Online Storage Site (ongoing cost that ranges from $5 - 20 per month)
Personally, I have an external hard drive, to which I copy all my documents and photos. In addition, at the end of each year I copy all of my photos to CD(s). Depending on how many photos I have taken, that might be one CD for each year, half-year, or month. Finally, I store my CD's in a protective CD case, organized by date. That way, I can find what I need fairly quickly, in case of emergency.
I have not yet tried the online backup services, but that may be the most cost effective, least time-consuming way to backup all of your files. This is something I REALLY NEED TO DO. The downfall to my own current backup system is that if my home is destroyed (fire, flood, etc.), then my files are also destroyed. With an online system you can access your files from anywhere you have an internet connection. Check out this site for a good comparison of online services.
It really doesn't matter which way you back up your files. Just do it. Don't wait until it is too late. Don't wait until the files are gone.
DISCLAIMER:
All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The author at "Only @ Little Geeky" makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any information provided and will not be liable for any damages related to the display or use of this site. All information is provided "as-is" and is simply a reflection of the author's own experiences. The author welcomes comments and feedback and will do her best to respond to any posts.
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