Step 5: Backup Your Data

Backing up your files simply means making a copy of them so that if the original is lost or damaged, you can use the copy. You can back up your hard disk to floppies, to a Zip disk, or to a tape drive.

How often you back up depends on how valuable your time is. If you're working on an important file, save it to a floppy as well as to your hard disk. If you're running a home-based business, you should invest in a tape backup drive and back up on a daily basis.

Most families can get by with a less rigorous backup schedule. Back up the files in your data folders (see Step 4) once a week, and perform a complete system backup every six months. You can back up your data files simply by dragging their folders to the icon for your floppy disk. If you're a Windows 95/98/ME user, you can use the Backup program in Programs/Accessories/System tools. This lets you check off the folders you want to back up.

High-capacity removable disks, such as those you use with the Iomega Zip Drive, are great for backing up a hard disk, and they can help keep down the clutter on your disk. Zip Drives come with their own backup software. Newer CD-RW drives and DVD writers also are a great alternative for backups especially in conjunction with backup program like Norton GHOST. A tape drive that can store from 400MB to 2GB of data is even better for backup, as it will keep media-swapping to a minimum. All tape drives also come with their own backup software.