Backing Up Data

Almost anyone can relate to someone who has suddenly lost all of their data. Whether the computer crashed or was infected with a virus, data loss can be devastating. Both personal and University hard drive backups are essential in helping prevent permanent data loss.

What is backup?

Backing up is the process of copying data for future use in the event that original data is lost, stolen, or corrupted. Additional copies of data are called "backups".

Why is backup necessary?

Regular data backups reduce the risk of permanent data loss. Data loss can happen for many reasons:

• Hardware failure
• Virus attack
• Theft
• Power failure
• Natural disaster 

How do I start?

To ensure that your data stays yours, make it a practice to regularly back up your information. Choose a backup that fits your specific needs.

University Data (for faculty and staff):

• Iron Mountain: Web-based storage
  easily accessible; monthly fees, automatic maintenance

Personal Data (for everyone):

• Web-based storage
  easily accessible; monthly fees; include extra organizational features
• Mobile external hard drive
  lightweight; powered through USB
• Full size external hard drive
  faster, heavier than mobile; powered through separate supply
• CD-R, DVD-R   
  most widely available; no need for -RW media of CDs or DVDs
• Flash Drive
  portable; less storage; easy to misplace

Remember to store any external backups in an off-site location.

How often should I backup?

Should you backup once a day, once a week, or once a month? It depends on how valuable your data is. Ideally, backups should occur once a day. Several of the Web-based storage companies will perform this task automatically.

Keep in mind that seemingly simple backup solutions (e.g. external hard drives, CDs) are not always reliable as there is more risk associated with the immediately tangible. For low monthly fees, trustworthy Web-based storage companies (e.g. Iron Mountain) might be the solution you are looking for.

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu