How to have a reliable solution for computer backups:
– backup device is always connected to your computer – this protects you against hardware failure but doesn’t protect you against viruses and data corruption as the backup device can be corrupted at the same time as the computer itself
– backup device is only connected for a backup and then removed but you get reminders when you haven’t backed up recently – this is the best solution because you can’t forget to do a backup and by not having the backup device always connected you are protected against viruses and data corruption affecting the backup device as well (unless you are unlucky and it happens while you have the device connected – but the chance is significantly reduced for this to happen).
A complete backup plan
- Full image backup when you purchase the machine
- Full image backup when all your software is installed on the machine and you are about to start using it
- Full image backup whenever you make a significant change to the software installed on the machine OR annually – whichever occurs first. Annual backup could ideally be done on International Backup Day – 1st April – so it is easy to remember. This should be encrypted as this will include your data files.
- Semi automated encrypted regular backups (with reminders) to an external USB harddrive
- Automated encrypted constant backups to another computer
Tools to do this
The licences on the products we have recommended below are suitable both for personal and NGO/organisation use (at the time we reviewed them – it is always wise to read the licence conditions for yourself at the time you install it as they may change).
Full image backup
- For personal and NGO/organisation use on a Windows PC – AOMEI backupper (note that by default it is not encrypted – you’ll need to turn that option on yourself)
- For personal and NGO/organisation use on a Mac PC – ?
Automated regular backups
- For personal AND NGO/organisation use on a Windows PC – Crashplan (this will do both the semi automated regular backups to an external USB harddrive AND the automated encrypted constant backups to another computer
- For personal AND NGO/organisation use on a Mac PC – ?
Sorry we don’t have recommendations at this time for Macs. If you use a tool for Mac that you think is worth telling people about please let us know so we can add it here.
Note: when using encryption it is important to remember that the purpose of encryption is to prevent people from being able to access your files without your password. So DO NOT forget the encryption password you use (or in the case of Crashplan, the crashplan login password). We cannot get files back for you if you forget your password.