Backup! Backup! Backup!

The title says it all. From recent experience, I can assure you that backing up your computer's data is essential if you care about anything on that slick little state-of-the-art computer. If you're like me, you keep much of your life on a computer. Recent happenings such as the data loss for many unlucky T-Mobile Sidekick owners (PC World: Microsoft Loses Sidekick Users' Personal Data) can cause much concern when it comes to the data on our computers and mobile devices. Whether your computer takes a hard crash, gets dropped off unexpectedly at the pool, or ninja assassins invade your house for your iTunes library; backing up your data can be paramount in recovering from your loss of the files that you need to access in every day life.

This subject came to mind when I decided to do an update to a piece of software I use fairly often. The software uses several local data files to hold project information/etc; much of the information would be either time consuming to replace, or not replaceable what so ever. I proceeded to backup my directory, and install the upgrade. For some reason, the updater purged the data files and lost all of the data (note, this is not mentioned in the upgrade instructions that there may be risk of data loss). Luckily I had my backups and were able to import them back into the new version. I couldn't help to think about what a novice user's experience may have been; one that didn't have a ritualistic data recovery plan. Unlucky to say the least.

What are you risking?

You've decided that your new laptop is going to do it all (isn't that what the commercials say these days?). Your contacts, files, email, work, play, music, videos... the list goes on and on. Anything you can save, surf and see on your computer can be at risk. Your by the pool updating your FaceBook and someone cannon-balls from the 2nd story right next to you. You're drentched,  they're laughing, and you're computer is now the most expensive doorstop that you have ever owned. This scenario is on the lower risk of the risk scale since you still have the drive in your posession; those ninja assassins may have bigger plans with all of that corporate data of yours. True, you local technician could probably save some of the data off of that wet drive in a few days, but what about in the mean time? That presentation you were working on is due in 2 days.

A recent study shows that the average worth of a laptop is roughly $49,000 (Intel: Lost Laptops: More Expensive Than You Think; Ponemon Institute white paper report). The actual cost of the hardware is generally nominal these days with hardware costs constantly becoming less and less expensive. Your computer may have contained work related documents and sensitive information, depending on the industry you are in. Including laptop replacement, add in: detection and escalation; forensics and investigation; data breach reporting and mitigation; intellectual property loss; lost productivity and other legal or regulatory costs. The costs keep rising depending on how quick the company becomes aware of the loss and responds.

I Said It Once, I'll Say It Again... Backup!! Backup!! Backup!!

Needless to day, losing your laptop to a theif is far worse than your computer being wrecked. They can potentially have full control over your personal or corporate information. Still, there is the fact that in either case, you now don't have that data to use. Your presentations, projects, music, etc; having a solid copy is one of the biggest steps in moving past the loss. There are several ways to achieve this; external hard drives, hosted data services, CD backups; in any form, being able to copy those lost files back to your computer is a big advantage. With external hard drives becoming larger and cheaper by the day, invest in a large-inexpensive backup drive. I saw an ad at Fry's for a 1TB USB 2.0 external drive for $130. Backups are a real world insurance policy insuring that your loss is covered and restorable in a timely manner.

Hosting services are popping up all over the place. Many ISP's such as Comcast, Verizon and Qwest is offering data backup for their Internet users. Online hosting services that sync your data between an online account and your computers such as GetDropBox.com (2GB Free Account), MobileMe (Apple, Inc: Individual $99/yr, Family Pack, $149/yr) and iBackup.com (various subscription plans) are becoming more and more popular. Not only do many of these services allow you to securely backup your data; they also allow you to easily share that data with your associates, friends and family.

In any case; work data or personal data; data loss is time out of your life that you have to deal with. The faster and easier you can get yourself back online and doing the things you do; the faster you'll be able to enjoy your life as normal.