What is the best way to back-up my computer files?

Question

I've got lots and lots of pictures on my computer. I know that I NEED to back-up my files. But what is the best way? Burn a CD? Buy an external hard drive? IF an external hard drive, which brand/model would you recommend? How much should it cost? Which vendor should I use? OR is there a better way than either of these? HELP!!!

Answer 1

I store mine online. GMail offers unlimited storage. Just email them to yourself and download as needed.

Answer 2

For lots of files, burning CDs and DVDs is kind of a pain and you're less likely to do it. I'd go with external hard drives since you can get everything on one. Maxtor OneTouch drives are very nice and come with free backup software called Retrospect Express HD, which is decent though I've had some minor problems with it myself. You could also look at the latest offerings from Western Digital, Seagate, etc. If you want to save money, you could buy a drive and an enclosure and then mount it yourself, though it's more work and you'd need to buy backup software.

Another option is to use a web site which backs stuff up over the Internet, though you pay by the amount of space so it could get expensive. One of the most interesting ones that I've been meaning to look at is streamload which lets you upload for free and then you only pay for download bandwidth, if and when you need it.

Here's a comparison of various online backup sites on the Web:

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/internet/online-file-storage/fullstory.html

With some searching you could probably locate more reviews so that you can research them all thoroughly.

Answer 3

There are a number of ways. Sometimes I use True Image 8, which makes image copies of whole discs on another disc.
I also use external USB drives.
One USB case I keep open, so I can easily plug in different hard drives (all EIDE). Works like a charm.
I usually back everything up about every 2 weeks (just the data, not the programs).
With True Image you can actually even make a complete bootable clone copy of the system drive.
And it will adjust for the difference of the drive being copied and the one being copied to, when they aren't the same size.

Answer 4

I suggest an external hard drive, since you have so many pictures. You'd be using a TON of CDs for file like that.

I would use the largest you can get, for the price. Watch out for noisey ones!

Good luck!

Answer 5

External Hard Drive Is The Best Answer. One touch of the button and your done. Also no more of those nasty DVDs

Answer 6

Best or least expensive. How important are these pictures? If they are very important to you, use an online storage company. You pay them to store your files on their system(s). The reputable ones will have multiple backups of the files stored in different geographical locations. Expensive, but it is as close to foolproof as anything.

Answer 7

thum drive or cds