Backing up your work
You should perform regular backupA copy of important files that is kept separately in case the original files are lost or damaged.. A backup is a copy of your work. It lets you restoreThe process of getting lost or damaged files from a backup. your work if something happens to the original copy.
Local backup
A local backup is stored on the same computer or on a different computer or storage deviceA device that stores data/programs on a long-term basis. that鈥檚 located on the same site, eg the school grounds. They are useful because recoveryThe process of getting lost or damaged files from a backup. is quick.
Remote backup
For really important data it鈥檚 advisable to have a remote backup. This is stored off site. If the computer is damaged or the site itself is subject to a flood or fire, the backup is safe.
Backup in organisations
Computers in large organisations, like businesses and schools, are networkedA device that is connected to at least one other device.. Each computer is used by many different people and all of their work is saved to a serverA computer that holds data to be shared with other computers. A web server stores and shares websites.. Server backups are often performed daily and are usually automatedTurning a set of manual steps into an electronic operation that requires no human input.. Specialist technicians are responsible for networks and servers.
Backups are extremely important for large organisations. Imagine if a business lost all of its customers鈥 details or if a school lost all of its students鈥 work.
Backup at home
Your home computer is unlikely to be a part of a network with a dedicated server and automated backup system. You鈥檒l need to back up your own data manually. It can be backed up to:
- a USB memory stickA physically small storage device. It normally plugs into a USB port. They are also called USB sticks, memory sticks, thumb or flash drives. These devices use solid state memory with no moving parts. (or flash drive)
- writable or rewritable CDA plastic, circular disc used to store up to 700 MB of music, video or data. CDs are optical storage media, similar to DVDs and Blu-ray discs. and DVDA plastic, circular disc used to store music, video or data. DVDs are optical storage media, similar to CDs and Blu-ray discs.
- external hard drives
- onlineConnected to and using the internet. or cloudA term often used to describe a location on the internet from which software applications are run and where data is stored.-based services
Some people use a combination of the above depending on how important they think their data is.