by Linda G. Hull

Created on: April 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 17, 2008

The Importance of Backing Up Your Computer

Has it happened to you yet? If you've never experienced a major computer crash or significant loss of data, you might be shocked to discover the magnitude of your loss.

Let's face it; we take our computers for granted. We don't expect a sudden crash and total loss of data. We trust that our computer will boot, data will be preserved, and we'll never experience problems that could jeopardize our data. That of course is an unrealistic expectation.

Data Loss Statistics indicate that 37% of responders backup their computer less than once a month. More than 22% admit that they meant to backup their data, but never got around to it. Did you ever think about the irreplaceable information on your computer?

What kind of data might I lose?

Tax Returns
Digital photographs
Scanned documents
Resumes
Personal financial records
Medical history
Correspondence
Research
Email history
Databases
Addresses
Business client and employee personal information
Business payroll
Business payable and receivable records

Did you know that most small businesses don't back up their computers? Check out this site for more frightening statistics: http://www.datadepositbox.com/media/data-loss-statis tics.asp Data Deposit Box says to figure on roughly nineteen days to type in sales info back into your computer if it crashes. Until then, you aren't making money; you're loosing money. Statistics indicate that computer downtime can cost from thousands to millions of dollars based on the number of hours down. Can you afford that kind of cost? Most can't, hence the finding that 60% of companies who experience a data loss close within six months.

How can I lose data?

Power Surge
A power surge is an unexpected surge of electricity into the wiring, resulting in fried electronic components. Solve this problem with a power surge protector to defuse a surge into its ground wire. If you didn't back up your computer, once the damage is done, all you can do is start over from scratch. Make sure to have the Operating System Reinstallation Disk available.

Hard Drive Crash
You're going to need a new hard drive. If your data is priceless and recovery is critical, then consult a data recovery company. If they can get your hard drive working, even temporarily, they may be able to recover your files. It's not a good idea to try this yourself; you may cause more damage to the very sensitive hard drive. Computers are sensitive. Too much heat can burn up a hard drive. You can help

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