Back up your files

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Top 3 methods for backuping files
Your choice of backup method should be based on several factors, including the amount of data you are backing up, the amount of time you have to spend on backups, and the amount of money you're willing to spend. Here are three options to consider:

1. Burning to CD or DVD
Pros: This is the simplest method for many people, as their computer will already have a built-in burner and they need only invest in the discs. Plus the method is low-cost, as you can get rewritable CDs and DVDs (aka CD-RW and DVD-RW discs) and cycle through a small number of them.

Cons: A CD holds only up to 700MB of data and a DVD up to 4.6GB. If you have more than this to back up, this method can become time-consuming. "You can do it," says Bryan, "but who wants to sit there and burn a 20GB folder to several discs?"

2. Copying to an external hard drive
Pros: An external hard drive is easy to hook up to your machine and can hold large amounts of data -- "It's not uncommon for drives to exceed 200GB of capacity nowadays," says Bryan. He suggests choosing a drive that connects to your computer via USB 2 if you're on a PC and via Firewire for a Mac.

Cons: This option can be expensive -- expect to pay $200 or more, and the prices go up along with the capacity of the drive.

3. Backing up to an online service
Pros: The benefit of using an online service rather than a home solution is that it's out of the house -- in the event of fire or theft, your data still exists in another location. It's convenient, as well, and takes up no space on your desk. Plus some services, such as Apple's .Mac, offer other features, such as file sharing.

Cons: First of all, count on having a monthly or yearly fee rather than a one-time cost. Also, you'll be trusting someone else with your valuable data -- so make sure that the company you choose is well-known and reliable.

Don't delay
Not backing up is risky -- you insure your house, so why not ensure that your non-tangible goods are safe as well? Check out the sites listed below to get started, or visit your local computer store for advice. The peace of mind will be worth the effort.

Online resources
Visit the websites below for more on backing up your computer.
Microsoft backup basics
Apple's Backup software

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