Backup Your Data
Like they say - things happen. There are many potential misfortunes that may hit your data. Hard discs can fail, a virus can strike, a power cut or spike could hit your PC, or someone might inadvertantly delete your key file.
If the data is worth keeping, it is worth backing up. Three categories of backup are considered here;
- data
- software
- other information
Data
Data is all the files you work with, such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, database files, pictures, etc. The ones you have made yourself are probably more valuable than files you have copied from someone else.
How - Copy the data files to a separate storage medium, like a CD, DVD, memory stick or portable hard drive. Unless you really need to, don't use compression, just copy the data across. Store the backup copy at a different place, otherwise an event (fire, flood, etc) could wipe out both your PC and the backup.
What - If you have all your data files organised into 1 or 2 directories, simply backup these. Also think about backing up mail folders and your PC's configuration files.
Frequency - as soon as you have data that you can't afford to lose. For example, copy critical files to a memory stick or another computer each day that you work on them, and make a complete backup of all data to CD or DVD about twice a month.
Software
Software is all the executable programmes you have on your PC. This probably includes the operating system (eg Windows), applications (eg Legacy), games and other programmes.
You should have most of these on the original CD or DVD that you purchased, so you won't need to regularly back them up. Make sure you have copies of any valuable software you have downloaded.
Also, you should make rescue disks so you can recover from hard disc failure. Update your rescue discs whenever you make significant changes to the operating system.
Information
There will be lots of other information you have relating to your PC. This includes serial numbers for hardware and software, passwords, etc. Be sure to keep these safe, as some software can't be reinstalled without the key number.
You might consider not keeping these on your computer. If they are somewhere on the computer, there is a chance a hostile programme can access them without your permission. Also, don't allow the PC to remember your password for logging on to the internet. Instead, write these numbers down on paper, and keep this handy to your PC.