It's important for all mobile professionals to regularly backup important data from their mobile devices. Quite often the only reason we have lost important files is not from theft or damage to our mobile gear, but because we have neglected to make time for backing the data up. Once you have chosen the best method to suit your needs and established a regular routine of backing up your data, you'll find that working remotely is less stressful and you will always have another copy of your data safe.
The Data
When considering the different methods available for backing up data, you must keep in mind the following:- What type of data will you be backing up?
- How much data do you plan to backup?
- How frequently will you be backing up the data?
- Will you be doing backups while on the road or from your home office only.
- How easy to use is the backup solution?
Knowing which type of data and how much will help you determine what method will be easiest and quickest to use. Plain data files such as documents will require less room than graphics, presentations and databases. You will also want your method of backup to be easy to restore from.
Methods Available
- Software programs - standalone or those contained within operating systems. In this choice personal preference is going to be the biggest factor. Many mobile professionals swear by third party programs, while others have found that the backup software included with their operating systems works best.
- Drag and Drop to an External Source - you can quickly and easily use this method to backup files to an external hard drive or server that you have access to.
- Disk Cloning - this method involves copying an entire hard drive to another source such as an external hard drive, CD, DVD or second hard drive.
- Email Yourself - while this isn't the most practicable method for backing up large quantities of data, it can be handy for backing up smaller files especially if you think your mobile gear is in danger of crashing. One advantage to this method is you can do it from anywhere you have Internet access. There are plenty of free email services available which offer large storage amounts, which are useful for this method.
You have to keep in mind which method will work the best not only when you are working in your home office but while you are on the road. Will Internet access be required or just your laptop?
Backup Media
Choosing which media to use for your backup is another decision based on personal preference and experiences. The types of media available are:
- Floppy disks - many newer laptops do not have floppy drives, so this could be limiting.
- Zip disks - using an external zip drive which are available in a variety of capacities. Zip disks and drives have been known to fail, so this may not be the most reliable method.
- CD or DVD - this may be the best choice as many laptops contain CD or DVD write drives and the quantity of data they can hold is greater than the previous methods. Burning CDs and DVD's does require becoming familiar with how your writing software works, so take time to practice before you have backup critical files in an emergency.
- External Drives - these are also available in a variety of sizes and capacities. Most external drives are plug and play, which makes setup and use to be quick and easy.
- Server - your company may allow you to backup data to the corporate servers. Check with your IT Dept. to see if this option is available. This method will require Internet access and knowing how to use FTP software. An important point to remember if you can use this method is you must scan your data for viruses before uploading to the server.
Don't Forget
- Always scan your data before backing it up. There is no sense backing up infected files.
- Don't forget to include backing up your email, address books and other organizational data.
Backing up your data and keeping it protected is your responsibility as a mobile professional. Schedule backups regularly and stay on that schedule. Whether you suffer a crash of your mobile device, virus infection or lose your mobile gear, you will know that you have a copy of your important files to restore from.