UNHCE Information Technology & Distance Education Blog

Because each user’s files are stored on their individual computer, backing up the files is the user’s responsibility. If the hard drive fails due to a hardware failure, virus, etc. (and hard drives will fail!) the ITDE team will be able to reinstall the operating system and programs. However, we will ask you for your most recent copy of the “data” files from your computer. These include any documents, spreadsheets, and databases you’ve created, email messages, bookmarks, favorites, etc.

So, how often should you back up your files? That’s entirely up to you. Remember that we can only restore your files to the point of your last backup, so if that was a year ago, you’ve lost a year’s worth of data.

What should you back up? At a minimum, you should backup your email folder (c:\eudora) to preserve all of your messages, attachments, and nicknames; all of your documents (this is easiest if they are all in one folder like “My Documents” or “My Files”; and your Netscape bookmarks or Internet Explorer Favorites. If you use other software, and store files you create in other folders, you should back them up as well.

Many of the new computers are being purchased without tape drives due to the cost (~$250.) However, most have Zip drives and “burnable” CDs which can be used to back up files. Alternatively, offices can purchase a portable hard drive that could be used to back up all computers at a particular location (see Purchasing Equipment below for details on our recommendation.)

It is also generally recommended that a copy of the backed up data be kept off-site to insure against a general catastrophe.

If you aren’t sure how to back up your files, ask some one else in your office, or contact the ITDE office for assistance.