Acronis True Image is the only way to go for a full backup of your computer.
True Image creates an image backup that can be restored by individual files or the whole computer in the case of hard drive failure even when the computer will not boot. I personally recommend this software and practically insist on its use if you have an external hard drive. Check with me for special prices.
(Do not use Norton ghost. System recovery has many problems)
(Do not use Drive Image. It takes hours longer than True Img)

       If you only surf the web and check e-mail online backing up your computer is probably not one of your main concerns.
    However, many people store documents and possibly accounting data on their computers and cannot afford to lose the data should the hard drive go bad or the computer gets stolen or destroyed in a disaster, usually lightning.
For those of you folks, backing up should be a high priority and there are Five main ways to back up your computer.
 
1. CD-ROM or DVD
2. External hard drive
3. Flash Drive
4. Tape drive
5. Online data vault

Of course each of these backup methods have their pros and cons and trade offs.

Here is how to make your descision:

1. locate your data. This could be your "My Documents" folder in XP or "Documents" in Vista. Programs like quicken and outlook store the databases in unusual spots and require special attention mainly finding their database files and including them in your backup.

 2. Estimate how much data you have and how much are you expecting to add in the next year ?
Example: You might have 1 GB now and plan to add a 500 picture photo gallery this year. (5-20 GB) If you have trouble figuring out how much data you have and where it is you may consider hiring me for a service call to figure that out and setup your backup. Email me first with you situation. expereric@gmail.com

3. How Much money are you willing to spend for this project.

   If you already have a CD or DVD writer (Burner) in your computer that may be enough. I recommend CD-R or DVD-R not the "RW" versions. "RW" stands for read write and these CD's are reusable but sometimes lose your data and are not as trustworthy for long term storage. CD-R's and DVD-R are not that expensive $.05 to $.25 each.

   Flash Drives are a great option if you have less than 8GB to store. They seem to be reliable and cost $20 to $100. These small devices just plug into a USB port and appear and as a folder on your desktop. Drag and drop your files into the folder then remove the drive and store it in a safe place.

   The absolute best option is an external hard drive and Acronis True Image software, about $150 + My $45 service charge for setup and training. Email me for the best pricing.

Tape Drives are good for Businesses but are becoming old news for home computer users.

  To check the size of your My documents folder where most of your data should be stored:

1. Double click on my computer.
2. Double click on C drive
3. Double click on documents and settings
4. Double click on your username 
5. Right click on "My Documents" and select properties
The window that appears should list the total size.

If you have a few hundred MB then backing up to CD or Flash Drive is a good option . CD's can hold up to 780MB and a cheap Flash Drive costs $20.

If you have over a gigabyte but less then 4GB of information then backing up to DVD or Flash Drive. You may need a 4GB or better Flash Drive not the 2GB version.

If you have more than 4.8GB of data you need an external hard drive With Acronis True Image software to backup your data.

Remember the only way to completely restore all of your computer is with a external hard drive and Acronis True Image backup. This includes your data, The Operating Syatem, Partition info, Programs and everything else.

By Eric Landry, The Computer Consultant
Email me in Sarasota at: expereric@gmail.com
Sarasota, Florida. Serving Sarasota Florida From Sarasota Square Mall to The Meadows

By Eric Landry, The Computer Consultant in Sarasota, Florida
Email Eric Landry in Sarasota Florida at: expereric@gmail.com
Serving Sarasota Florida From Sarasota Square Mall to The Meadows.