Do you back-up your web site or your own files on your computer’s hard drive? You should. Why? Because absolutely no one is immune to disasters and catastrophes! Computers and servers are machines, and through no fault of our own, sometimes machines break. Years ago I had this happen to me which is why long ago, I implemented a double whammy backup plan.
Every single file on my main computer, including those of my clients, every single software program I use are automatically backed up to an external hard drive that sits on my desk. I have a large APC battery backup system that protects my computers from things like storms. That doesn’t mean I take chances in stormy weather, though. I do shut my entire system down when the thunder and lightning gets close. I repeat, machines fail! I also sync my files over to my laptop, but it’s connected to my network and if a bad storm hits that knocks out my battery backup (unlikely but not an impossibility) all of my computers may fry. So, these are not my only protection against data loss. Call me paranoid if you wish, but my files and those of my clients are files I cannot afford to lose.
What’s the Double Whammy?
My (double whammy) “backup to my backup” is my online account with Mozy, which is an inexpensive online backup service. Using an external hard drive and Mozy is my peace of mind. I don’t worry about my computer breaking down because my files and those of my clients are protected. I’ll still have to go through the work of reformatting my hard drive (or purchasing a new one if it’s not salvageable) and re-installing my programs. But once that’s done, I can then import all my important files right back to where they were before.
I found backing up to CD’s to be cumbersome and way to time consuming. I really love the automatic methods I’ve outlined. I set the schedule once when I set up the program and I’m done! When it comes to my computers and my web site business, my external hard drive and my online backup service are the very best things I’ve ever done. You just can’t beat this peace of mind!
Mozy has options for both Mac and PC. It’s not the only online backup service available, but this is the one I recommend when people ask me.
If you have files on your computer that would really hurt to lose, if you don’t currently and regularly back up your web site, then develop a backup plan that works for you! I promise you that you won’t be sorry, but one day I can pretty much guarantee that you will be if you don’t!
Will These Procedures Back Up a Database Site?
In a word … NO! You cannot use these options for backing up a database site such as WordPress or other sites that run off a database! I backup all my client’s WordPress and other CMS based sites with the options available in the WordPress admin section. The options above relate only to static website files for which you have a copy of your pages and content on your computer hard drive. If you have any questions about whether or not your web site is being backed up regularly, please check with your designer and/or your hosting company.