Backing up your files is extremely important especially if you do the majority of your work on the computer. If you don’t, you could lose your work if you have a power surge, or encounter a computer crash. As a matter of fact, sometimes it only takes the crashing of your computer to do the trick. Other situations that could arise include the actual breakage of your personal computer, the hard drive becoming corrupt, or you could even have your computer or laptop stolen. If any of these things happen, there goes all of your hard work.

Unfortunately, these things do happen from time to time, and they do happen to everyone eventually. With that said, let’s get into some ways to save your digital life and your memories.

Well, the first thing you can do is not give yourself a reason to lose your work.

What I mean by that is try not to be the cause of your own problem. Don’t plug your computer into an outlet with 6 other plugs. Try and use an extension cord for the rest of your appliances. Example: Plug the two computer cords into a wall outlet, and then plug your TV, radio, and etc into another outlet. Additionally, if you need three or more outlets for the computer (example: if you have a router), use a surge protecting extension cord. Then use another one for the rest of your appliances. If you put too many plugs together, it can create a surge. In turn, this can create a loss of your work and other data if you happen to be on the computer at that time.

Furthermore, avoid having to run too many programs at once, or going to a web site especially if you don’t know what it contains. Don’t download software from the Internet unless you have a GREAT virus protector. Even then, you should be very cautious. Running too many programs can lock (freeze) your computer, which can mean that you will need to reboot without saving your files. Additionally, downloading programs from unknown sources can potentially infect your files, and in severe cases, ruin your computer. Then you will lose everything.

One way to make the backing up of your files easy is to create a main folder on your desktop. Once that is done, put all of your important files, pictures, word documents and what ever else in that folder. Then buy a 2, 4, or 8 GB mini flash drive and transfer the folder to your flash drive. The best thing about this drive is that it’s not very expensive and you can take it anywhere. The transfer of files should take around 5 minutes or so.

Another idea is to use an online tool for some of your files. Make sure you look into web sites that allow you to upload and store your date, you can find some for free and others for cheap. An example is photobucket.com. You can put the photos onto your flash, and also upload them onto your Photobucket account as a second back up. The only thing I suggest is you DO NOT add nudity in any way to your Photobucket account or they will delete the account.

Whether you have a laptop or computer, always make sure the files are backed up. Laptops can get stolen, and computers can have power surges, both needs to be protected. You can save your data on CDs, but your CD drive could break or something. So I suggest maybe for a third backup, but try using a mini flash drive device. Try not to keep your flash drive in with your laptop, because if your case does get stolen, there goes your files.