Is DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Computer Backup?

If you have a computer for home use or for your business and don't take comprehensive backup for full protection then you are in the danger-zone. Maybe you do not take any backup at all.

You can find in Windows a basic backup utility which are installed during the installation.

I should say for all Windows?,but in fact it is not included during the installation of Windows XP Home Edition.

It is as if Microsoft thinks that data protection is not necessary for home computers and computers used by small businesses.

It is true that hard drives are becoming less prone to hard disk crashes.

But, if you consider not only hard disk crashes, but also virus infection, theft plus other treats, then you realize the importance of implementing a full-proof backup strategy for your computer.

Today many computers are equipped with a DVD burner, yet most do not use it to manage their vital data backup. The amount of data you can store on a single DVD is several Giga Byte.

There are many types of backup you can make.

Here are the steps that I take myself to fully secure my data against data loss:

1. Disk image backup. I use a disk image backup software and make a complete image backup of the disk on consecutive DVDs.

I also create an emergency rescue CD. If I have a hard disk crash I'll use this emergency CD to boot from.

But, first I have to install and setup a new hard disk that is working. Then I can recreate the data directly back from this backup stored on the DVDs.

This work is made fast and without the need to spend time installing both the operation system and the backup software. Everything is instead copied directly into the hard disk from the DVD's.

2. Full hard disk backup.

I also use a data backup software and create a full backup of the hard disk on consecutive DVD's.

This is a standard disk backup. With this backup I'm able to restore any files and/or folders. I can also move the data to another computer.

3. Regular scheduled backup of files and folder.

Here I use the same software product I use for the full disk backup. I make with this software regular schedule backups of the files and folders I work with. In my case they include My Documents, Outlook emails and other files that are modified over time.

I do this by keeping a permanent rewritable DVD inside the DVD burner. I then rotate a number of DVD's for this purpose so I can keep copies away from the computer.

Whenever I install important new programs from the Internet or I make other major changes to my system I'll also create a new disk image backup and a full hard disk backup.

You should use a DVD burner that is built for rewritable DVDs. Unfortunately there are several competing DVD standards on the market. The DVD-R, DVD-R and DVD-RAM standards supports DVDs which only can be written to once and can't be reused and those standards should be avoided. The DVD player should instead support at least one rewritable DVDs standard.

Either DVD-RW or DVD+RW.

Conclusion:

I use regular schedule backup to backup the data files I work with on a daily basis.

I'll make a disk image backup so that in case of a hard disk failure I will be back in business fast.

I also create a full disk backup so that I will be able to restore individual files or folders. It makes it also possible to move the data to another computer.

Per Strandberg specializing in data security and data storage and have a site about data backup technology
at ==> http://www.data-backup-and-storage.com
Discover more about DVD storage
at ==> http://www.data-backup-and-storage.com/dvd-backup-and-copy.html
Learn more about how to backup from Windows
at ==> http://www.data-backup-and-storage.com/window-backup.html

Related News

Padlock your personal data - PSU Collegio (subscription) Padlock your personal data PSU Collegio (subscription), KS -11 hours ago Low-tech scams include mail theft, dumpster diving, rummaging through rubbish containing personal information, solicitation and shoulder surfing, ... 10 Things You Can Do to Give Your Computer a "Makeover" - MarketWatch 10 Things You Can Do to Give Your Computer a "Makeover" MarketWatch -Dec 2, 2008 This according to BluePhone ( www.bluephone.com), the personal tech support hotline and "At Home Help Desk" that helps consumers get maximum value out of ... Personal Tech: Digital cameras go big on video - Salt Lake Tribune Personal Tech: Digital cameras go big on video Salt Lake Tribune, United States -Nov 24, 2008 By Ron Harris AP Writer The holiday season brings good tidings for shutterbugs. Whether you're shopping for someone new to digital cameras or a seasoned ... First Western Trust Bank Opens New Office in Denver Tech Center - MarketWatch First Western Trust Bank Opens New Office in Denver Tech Center MarketWatch -16 hours ago First Western's new location, at 5460 South Quebec Street, Suite 200, is a full-service office, providing private banking, investment management, personal... Indiana seeks high-tech edge over Illinois - Gary Post Tribune Indiana seeks high-tech edge over Illinois Gary Post Tribune, IN -22 hours ago "You're competing directly with Chicago and the state of Illinois, which don't have the personal property tax. This is where tech districts come into play ... Washington Post Personal Technology Columnist - Washington Post Washington Post Personal Technology Columnist Washington Post, United States -13 hours ago 4 at 2 pm ET to discuss recent reviews, answer your personal tech questions and provide gadget advice for this holiday season. Read Rob's latest tech tips ... AMD lowers revenue target, cites weak demand - MarketWatch AFP AMD lowers revenue target, cites weak demand MarketWatch -11 hours ago ... said AMD's move highlights the softening tech market, particularly for PCs. Intel and AMD are the top makers of microprocessors for personal computers. ... Three local tech companies lower earnings forecastsAustin American-Statesman AMD Warns of a Revenue ShortfallBusinessWeek all 206 news articles Personal Tech: Army to use video games for training - Salt Lake Tribune Personal Tech: Army to use video games for training Salt Lake Tribune, United States -Dec 1, 2008 It will watch trends in commercial video games and look for technologies that can be used in training -- but it does not plan to compete with the industry. ... Can Clean Tech Beget ... - InternetNews.com Can Clean Tech Beget ... InternetNews.com -22 hours ago "We found new ways to use personal computers and solve things." Now, he adds, the demand for energy is more, not less. Deninger, speaking at the AlwaysOn ... Cancer-stricken swimmer on comeback trail - International Herald Tribune Cancer-stricken swimmer on comeback trail International Herald Tribune, France -7 hours ago Shanteau finished second to Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte in the 200-yard individual medley, beating his personal best when he touched in 1 minute, ...