Back up Your Data!!!!!!

[DrRalph]

While not related to Abaco per se, this is a subject that is of interest to everyone that runs a computer. I have just had my third hard drive failure in 11 years. One minute you're chugging along, working happily away, the next your machine is dead, just a few seconds of a loud clacking noise. It has taken me a week to get back to where I was.

BUT, what saved me was having backed up my data. I use Stomp's Back Up My PC (http://www.stompsoft.com/backupmypc.html?SourceID=knc_goog_back_up_my_pc), and was able to recover all my critical data. I still had to get a new drive from the manufacturer, install all the apps and then deal with several conflicts, but at least I didn't lose any critical info.

A friend once told me that ALL hard drives eventually fail, and I have the experience to prove it. If you are not backing up your data, you run the risk of losing all that personal info you've been saving on your drive. Don't think this is one of those things that just happens to somebody else; take the time and effort to back up your data.

[Mont]

Just to add to *******'s wise advice, adding a second hard drive will cost most folks less that $200 and make the restoration process a lot more seamless. I installed my 2nd hard drive myself, and it's very straightforward. If in doubt, take your computer in and have it done professionally. It's worth every cent.

[DrRalph]

Mont is the unsung hero who runs this board's server. When you're settling in tonight after reading the Abaco Board, hoist one for Mont. Thanks for all you do, my friend!

[Abacowilly]

. . . . ANYone who has experienced this (without a backup) can attest to the very "sick" feeling that accompanies this tragic event. Probably just asking yourself - "What if I lost my hard drive right now?" - would instill some degree of concern. Another point is this - not having a backup is one thing, it's even more sickening to have a convenient way to do it and don't use it as often as you should.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to purchase a USB attachable "memory stick" (I know there is an official name but I can't recall it). They are sold in Best Buy. I have one that holds up to 1 GB (around $100) and they practically install themselves.

The beuaty of this little booger is that it's only about 3" long, an inch wide and inch thick and connects to a USB port w/supplied cable, so you can easily do a backup and put it in a safe deposit box or just you dresser drawer. We have opted for this because of it's ease of use and portability. We actually have two and do the backup twice - one stays connected to the PC for convenience and the other is stored elsewhere. I know YOUR home will never burn down or YOUR PC would never be stolen, but if it was, this little memory device can have you in business on another PC in seconds as the data is accessable directly on the device immediately.

How does this relate to Abaco - just imagine not having your list of items to take in a MS Word document and you lose your hard drive. I know, I know - how hard is it to remeber Twice the cash, 2 pair shorts, 1 pair of Tevas, sunglasses, 3 t-shirts and a bathroom kit - right?. Well, how about this then - you are just about to post a 3 page trip report to the board. You spent 2 hours getting it just right and as you are prepared to copy your valued manuscript from MS Word into a Board Post, BAMMMMM, it happens. NOOOOOWWWW see how you look to your Board Family when you PROMISED a trip report and YOU can't deliver - not a pretty sight. but look at the bright side, none of us can even see you yelling or hear you cursing at the PC while inside you're yelling and cursing at YOURSELF!!!!


Now, as a famous radio host often says - "go do the right thing" . . . . .

AW

[Abacoparrott]

I'm a'headin' out to buy a memory stick right now!......oops, gotta shave and shower first........great post my friend....ken

[Abacowilly]

. . . .if they have these for people......hmmmmmmmmmm. :rolleyes:

[Abacoparrott]

WHAT you're talkin' abou.......er....uh.......what wuz I sayin'?? where dat mem'ry stick when I need it??? ken

[Herve]

Being on my 3rd HD in 5 years...having lost all my pictures.....and still not backing up....
Your post made me feel like a dumb @#$...so I just bought a 160GB USB drive on E-Bay for $130....
Thanks for the motivation.

[Abacowilly]

. . . .are the main reason we bought this "stick". I can't imagine losing all of those memories. Gosh knows, I sure can't remember them all without the files.