Computer Backup
System
The Easiest And Most Effective Way To Use Computer Backup
Systems
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Use A Computer Backup System And Protect Yourself!Most people do not think much about a computer backup system when they purchase a computer or even after they have had their computer for a period of time sufficient to transfer much of their vital data to it, including pictures, emails, financial information, and other personal information. However, losing this information forever can be catastrophic. A computer backup system is vital for home computers, and not just for the data files that can be lost. A good computer backup system can actually save the computer itself if something goes horribly wrong by reconstructing the operating system. In the past, external magnetic tape drives were often used as computer backup systems as an alternative to floppy disks or compact discs. However, most tape drives have extremely slow access times, so although they are still used today to back up entire networks, there are far more convenient and affordable alternatives available for home computers. There are two main categories of software that are often used today to create efficient computer backup systems. The first is software that makes a disk image of the computer system. The software creates one file that can be saved anywhere and then can be used to recreate the entire system on a new hard drive if the original one fails. The file is obviously quite large, but it still uses less space than cloning or copying a disk. The file can even be saved to the primary drive, although this can defeat the entire purpose if the primary drive is compromised. The second category of software commonly used for a computer backup system is a system that clones the primary drive to a secondary disk. This secondary disk is solely dedicated to cloning the primary disk and simply replaces the primary disk in the event that the primary disk fails. Therefore, there is no process of restoration of the primary disk and virtually no downtime. The user simply boots the computer from the secondary disk. The software available today can clone the primary disk to the secondary literally in minutes. The secondary
disk can be stored either externally or internally and can be used until the primary disk is replaced. The
secondary drive is then cloned back to the new primary drive. A Redundant Array of Independent Disks, or RAID, uses two or more disks that are installed internally. The secondary disk essentially acts as a mirror to the primary disk, so that everything written to the primary is simultaneously also written to the secondary. Remote computer backup systems are also available online. For a monthly fee, the home computer user accesses the website’s software to back up his or her system to the website’s server. However, besides the risk of placing all of one’s personal information onto a server over which one has no control, it is not possible to boot one’s computer from an online remote backup. Each computer backup system has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is certainly wise for all home computer users to use something for a computer backup system.
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