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Health & Fitness

Don't Lose Your Data: Back Up, Back Up, Back Up

I can't tell you how many times I've heard from someone who lost all the data from their PC/Laptop because their system crashed and they had no back up.

I'm too busy! I don't have time!  I don't know how to do it!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard from someone who lost all data from their PC/Laptop because their system crashed and they had no back up, or a back up so old that they lost a lot of important data.  I also just read an article saying that a local jeweler here in Cumming, GA lost all their pictures of custom jewelry that they created for the past 20 years!  Ouch!

Backing up your data, especially for your business, is imperative.  You have business and personal insurance right?  You need data insurance.   Think about how much time it would take just to recreate your customer and prospect lists!  It's definitely worth the investment.

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There are a lot of cloud backup systems these days, so it's a painless and cheap insurance for your business (and personal) data.

While ramping up my business, I initially purchased an external hard drive because I thought it would be cheaper and easier to use. This solution did not work for me. I already had so many connections to my PC, that I could not leave it plugged in all the time, so I had to remember each week to run my back up. The excuses listed above came in to play - I'm too busy, I don't have time -  wah, wah, wah.  I was also not able to access my files while on the go. A decent external hard drive is around $70 and up, and the price relates to the storage capability. If you're disciplined enough for this solution, then go for it, but I would recommend using a cloud-based system.

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Below are some popular systems that you might want to consider.  All the cloud solutions listed are able to support MAC and Windows, and I only looked ones with unlimited data storage. Prices shown are for single users and can change at any time, but here is what I found doing research last week.


MyPC Backup

This is the system that I use.   It backs up all my email as well.

  • $6/month, $72/year
  • Access data from any place you can get a network connection (including your smart phone), so you don't need to worry about carrying a memory stick to client sites
  • Share files and folders with anyone, so you don't have to email large files
  • My PC Backup also has a device locator, in case my PC is ever lost or stolen
  • Automatic back up timing you can set
  • 24/7 support center and multiple back up centers


Open Drive

  • $9.95/month, $99/year
  • Access data from any place you can get a network connection (including your smart phone)
  • Share files and folders with anyone, so you don't have to email large files
  • Does not have device locator
  • Automatic back up timing you can set
  • Phone support is not available for Basic Account users, 24 hour turn around time for emails
  • Neat additional feature - File Hotlinking (for websites, emails or social networking)


Carbonite

  • $59/year
  • Access data from any place you can get a network connection (including your smart phone)
  • No file sharing capability
  • Does not have device locator
  • Automatic back up timing you can set
  • Note that files larger than 4GB must be uploaded manually
  • Support available from 8:30am to 9:00pm Eastern

Whatever you use, use something!!

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