I use my computer for all of my filing because I absolute hate paper work and it saves me money. However, everyone tells me it isn't a good idea because if my computer crashes I could loose everything; which is true. What type of device would you recommended to backup my files so if my computer crashes I can recover my files. I would also appreciate any ideas or tips for computer filing, or useful information as far as computers.
I also been told you can encrypt files or password them through windows; how do you do that?
2007-04-27 02:46:42 · 6 answers · asked by glenn s 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
get an external hard drive
2007-04-27 02:48:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on just how much data you need to back up, there are several options:
If you have only a small amount of data (A few gigabytes or less) then its probably sufficient to just burn them onto CDs.
If you have a moderate amount of data (A few gigabytes to several GBs) then get a USB thumb drive to store them on.
If you have a large amount of data (About 5 GBs or more) then it's probably best to invest in an external harddrive.
As for encrypting files, you can only do that through windows if you have the "pro" version. If you do have Windows XP pro, then all you have to do is right-click the files and select the "encrypt" option. If you don't have Pro, then that's ok, because there is a ton of free software out there that you can download to encrypt your files.
2007-04-27 02:51:32 · answer #2 · answered by Chip 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd backup on DVDs, single layer (4.7 gig) or double layer (8.75 gig).
If you back up on external harddrives, there are too many things that could happen to the mechanical device to cause you to lose information. Also, it's more awkward to transport vs DVDs.
With DVDs you can lock them up or put them in a vinyl CD binder (like the kind that hold 128 Cds). A harddrive has a fixed storage space (like 320gb), but you can store 601gb in a CD carrying case that holds 128 CDs.
Finally cost. DVD burners can be bought under $45 US, and a 50 pack of DVD disks for $13.
External harddrives can cost at lease $89 (retail or homemade) for fixed space.
For encryption, just use TrueCrypt on any OS.
2007-04-27 03:08:41 · answer #3 · answered by normail000@yahoo.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get an external hard drive, like the first answer said, or if you have a DVD burner, burn your files (not the operating system) to a DVD. One DVD holds 3.5 times the amount of data a CD does.
If you have Word, you can password-protect your documents. While a document is open, click on Tools and Password. You need to write down your password for each document, because if you forget it, you WILL NOT be able to open it.
2007-04-27 02:57:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how much personal data you need to back up: CD (small), DVD (medium) and External hard disk (large).
The price goes up too.
DO NOT "encrypt files (dangerous) or password protect them" unless you suspect others can get at your Backups. If so, don't lock your external media, put it in a safe place.
2007-04-27 02:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by ELfaGeek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hello try a external hard drive like a 400 gb you wont be disapointed they go for like 150 so its not a bad deal
2007-04-27 02:51:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋