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Policemen have them. So do quarterbacks, astronauts, and lead actors. OK, so a writer’s need for backup is not as serious as for policemen and astronauts. But, writers do need to protect their life’s work from a computer crash, lightning strike, or just plain “operator failure.”
Accept the fact that you should backup early and often no matter whether your project is large or small. There are a number of backup options. I’ll share methods I have used and then pass along some suggestions that have come to me from others.
On-site Backup
- Copy your data files to CD or memory stick periodically. Store the CD/stick outside your home in a safe place such as bank safety deposit box.
- A more expensive option is an external hard drive. More information here. I would want to also store the external hard-drive off-site.
- Blog content can be exported as xml file and stored on your computer or other device.
Online Backup
- For work in progress, I use a webmail account (Hotmail, Gmail, AOL) to store my drafts. At the end of each work session, I e-mail a copy of the current file to myself at the webmail address. I created a “writing backups” folder in the webmail account where I archive these messages until I no longer need them.
- There are a number of free or paid online backup services. Some offer a small amount of storage free and allow you to upgrade to paid version when you need it. Others offer a free trial period before you have to pay. I use Mozy.com. The home version is described here.
- If you use Norton 360 security software, you get some free storage associated with it. If you have another security software package, check to see what that company offers.
I prefer online backup because it’s more convenient. You can set it to update whenever you want, and it’s automatically stored off-site. If the house burns down, your data is safe. Once you’ve backed up to CD, memory stick, or hard drive, you have the immediate problem of where to store it. It’s just not convenient to regularly transport your backup to an off-site location.
I welcome comments on this post from people who use these methods or other methods that are not mentioned.
Check out these buyers guides for more info on online backups:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5245&review=Online+Backup+Service+Buyers+Guide+2009
http://askbobrankin.com/which_online_backup_service_is_best.html
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