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What is Computer Backup?

Computer backup is the storing of your files on a medium separate from your hard disk. In this manner, if anything happens to the files on your computer you will still have access to these files from the other mediums, whether it be online, on a CD or DVD-ROM, floppy disk or key drive.

Why do I Need Computer Backup?

Computers have become ingrained into the basic existence of life in our country. If you keep important information on your computer, then you will want to make sure that you keep that information in backup as it can be very difficult to recover your files in the case of a disaster on your hard drive.

While it is still possible in many cases to recover your data from such a disaster, having your data in backup greatly eases the process, as you have the files readily available and will not have to go through long, drawn-out processes in order to recover your data which can slow down your business.

What Computer Backup Options Are Open to Me?

There are many different ways to backup your data. While floppy disks are becoming increasingly obsolete, there are still many methods open to you for your computer backup. With the advent of CD and DVD burners, there are very powerful ways for you to begin backing up your data. While a 3 and a half inch floppy disk can only hold up to 1.4 megabytes of data, a single CD-R can hold up to 800 megabytes and a DVD-R can hold up to 4700 megabytes, or 4.7 gigabytes.

You can also backup your computer data online. Online storage is a powerful method of computer backup which can greatly assist you in backing up information on your computer. Rather than storing your data on a disk, your data will be stored on an online server which you will be able to access from any computer which is connected to the internet, so that you will always have immediate access to your files.

Key Drives and Computer Backup

One of the most powerful new technologies which is making its presence known in the world of computer backup is the key drive. These key drives are tiny, only twice or three times the size of a quarter and can fit easily in your pocket or on your keychain. Key drives come in different sizes, and can be as small as 16 megabytes or as large as 2 gigabytes.

Unlike floppy disks or even CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs, they are almost impervious to damage and are thus very secure sources of backup for your computer. You connect your key drive to your computer through a USB connection, and on most newer machines they will be immediately readable by your computer without the need of any device drivers for the ultimate in plug and play technology. Key drives are the wave of the future and can greatly assist you in all of your computer backup needs.

Walter Stevens is a contributor at Free-backup.info -- the home of the popular tool for personal online backup -- Back2zip. This article can be found at http://free-backup.info/ins-and-outs-of-computer-backup.html