I hate flossing because I just can't seem to make myself do it regularly. I used to hate backing up my data just as much because it was a hassle and I just flat couldn't make myself do it. All computer users are confronted with the problem of backing up important information.
However, with our belief in the reliability of technology these days we don't take action.
Studies indicate that only a few (less than 6%) spend enough time backing up their data, despite the inherent unreliability of hard media storage systems.
The real problem is, backing up our data is a chore and just like with flossing your teeth, there is no clear immediate payoff for backing up. The payoff is way out in the future and then, only if you experience a catastrophe like losing your computer or getting it stolen.
So, we leave the task of backup for later and we run the risk of our data being lost forever.
Of the many ways your data can go bye-bye, here are more popular:
* physical deterioration of media
* viruses
* hackers
* inexperienced users' actions deleting the data
* power failures
* theft
* coffee spills on the keyboard
Once you make the commitment to backup your data, the next step is to make sure your backup copy is stored far away from you and automatic - that way, if disaster strikes at home, the chances of your copy also being impacted are low.
By far, the best way to accomplish that is to consider backing up with an online service. Online services allow you to automate the process and remove our human tendency to put things off from the equation.
Once these services are set on automatic, there is nothing left for you to do or forget to do. The service does the work and your efforts and all the hard work that went in to creating the data will be protected.
You always have a choice in how frequently and you can back up your data manually at regular intervals - once a day, week or, month. But the human factor brings its own surprises - PC users either have no time to back up their data or just forget about it.
Also, just like it is with flossing, it is our human nature to put off anything that is a lot of trouble. The reason we do that is simple - we are all lazy and gravitate toward doing nothing if we can get away with it. The problem with letting our base nature rule the day is, it may result in all your important data being permanently lost!
It is much safer to make your backups automatic and spend your time remembering where you left your dental floss.
About this Author
Roger G. Brown is data backup and security expert. He has significant experience in helping individuals and small businesses make cost-effective decisions about data backup and storage. If you want to learn how to avoid losing your data, check out Roger's website at http://www.onlinebackupstoragereviews.com.
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