Instructions: Create a backup - now work safely at home!

Especially in times of the home office, purely private data such as pictures, e-mails or music collections are joined by business data, which is indispensable for a smooth, optimised workflow. And what if there is a crash? Then everyone who does at least part of their job at home will be in trouble! So it’s high time for a professional backup – here’s how!

Definition: Data backup

The hard disk of a computer stores all data. But also the browser favourites and especially the access data to the computer are stored here. In the course of time, a veritable data library is created at the heart of the computer. Practical on the one hand – but risky on the other. Unfortunately, the hard disk also has a limited lifespan. Malfunctions and defects can occur, data can be lost or the computer can simply no longer be started.

Caution: Danger

Another danger to sensitive data is malware, such as a computer virus or ransomware, which will not release data until a ransomis paid. Due to so many possibilities of data loss, it is essential to make a regular backup on two independently operating storage media. How often this data backup should take place depends, among other things, on the frequency with which data is changed. In the home office, with its constant workflow, a daily data backup is recommended. With a backup, a copy of all data is made manually or by means of suitable software. This is done with the help of an external storage medium, such as an external hard drive. From there, a so-called data recovery is possible at any time.

Backup methods

Basically, there are several methods available for backing up data – and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Manual backup:

This option is inexpensive but requires a bit of discipline. In any case, it should be done every time data is changed or new data is added. Tip: With a tightly timed, regular schedule, it is often easier to maintain this discipline . Procedure: First, a data carrier (external hard drive) with sufficient storage volume is connected to the computer. Then copy the data from the source data carrier (the computer’s hard disk) to this external hard disk. Disadvantage: As a rule, the computer’s system data cannot be backed up with the manual backup.

Semi-automatic backup:

Here, software is used that even backs up the entire system, depending on the version. Another option is to back up specific files or folder structures. Procedure: Again, an external data carrier (hard disk or DVD) is connected to the computer. Alternatively, the data can also be saved under a network address (cloud). For the backup of the data, a time must be specified at which the programme is to carry out the backup. Tip: Do not specify the time during normal working hours, as the data backup may require a high level of computer performance.

Fully automatic data backup:

For this, appropriate backup software is set up only once. The programme then creates backups independently in the specified period and according to the desired frequency. Procedure: Connect an external data carrier as usual, then install the software. Now enter when and how often the programme should make the backups. In most cases, you can also set up certain types of backups. Advantage: With the fully automatic data backup, the software does everything by itself, including the system backup.

Suitable backup programmes

AOMEI Backupper Professional

AOMEI Backupper Professional enables backups of hard disks, individual folders or files as well as the complete system. The programme is time or event controlled and can even delete outdated backup folders on its own.

Stellar Photo Recovery

With Stellar Photo Recovery you can recover damaged, deleted or lost photos as well as music and video files. The programme can recover data on internal as well as external drives, CDs, DVDs or memory cards.