The Importance
of Backing Up Files
Computer users
should backup files regularly to guard against the loss of data.
A backup is a duplicate of a file, program, or disk that
can be used if the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed. To
backup means to make a copy of a file or files. Restore means
to copy files back to their original location after a loss of
data.
You can make
backups of your files and folders onto floppy disks, Zip disks,
CDs, Jaz disks or DVDs. The amount of data these types of media
can hold varies greatly. Use the type of media that your computer
can read and write to and that can hold the files or folders you
need to backup.
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Storage Capacity Comparision
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Media
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Storage
Space
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- 3.5-inch
High Density Floppy Disk
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The organization
of files and folders on a computer greatly simplifies the backup
process. It is very easy to backup specific folders.
As well as
backing up important files and folders, it is a good idea to periodically
make a full backup of your computer system. A full backup copies
all of the files on a computer and provides the best protection
against data loss. Many software programs are available that automate
full backups. Instructions vary from program to program. Because
so many files must be copied, full backups can be time consuming
and require a lot of storage space. Removable disk drives and
tape drives are often used for this purpose. Full backups are
sometimes combined with backups that copy only the files that
have changed since the last full backup. It is a good idea to
develop backup procedures that specify a regular plan for copying
and storing backups of important files.
Using My
Computer to Backup Files and Folders:
1. Double-click
on the My Computer icon on your desktop.
My Computer
Icon
2. Locate
the drive that contains the files you want to backup. Double-click
on the drive's icon to view contents of the drive. For example,
if the files you want to back-up are located on Disk C:, double-click
on the Disk C: icon.
3. Right
click on the folder or files you want to copy to a backup disk.
Click Copy on the menu that opens. This will copy the
file or files to the clipboard of your computer.
4. Close
the window showing the files you have copied and, if you have
copied files from a disk drive, eject the original disk.
5. Insert
a new disk into the disk drive. (This may be a floppy disk,
Zip disk, CD, or DVD, depending on the type of drives in your
computer.)
6. Go back
to My Computer. Double-click on the drive icon that contains
the new disk. For example, if you want to copy to Disk D:, double-click
on the Disk D: icon.
7. Right
click in the window for the new disk and select Paste
from the menu that opens. This creates the backup.
Backup
Tips
- Always
backup important files, such as school records, assignments,
and lesson plans.
- Keep backups
of important files in a fireproof safe or at another site.
- Develop
a schedule for making regular backups of your computer.
Shelly, G.B,
Cashman, T.J. & Vermatt, M. E. (2001). Discovering computers
2002: Concepts for a digital world. Boston, MA: Course Technology.
Microsoft
Windows Help.
