I cannot emphasize enough two things to be an effective computer user: (1) excellent file management – that also means no files on the desktop. They need to be in “Documents” folder, hence the name! (2) Backup your work. This is where it can be confusing! Let me help you based my own experience. For the longest time, I used flash drives and local hard drives. I then went to cloud backups (using CrashDrive, Backblaze, and other companies). Cloud drives are NOT the same as Cloud backup. Cloud drives (GoogleDrive, OneDrive, Dropbox) are documents stored on your system, in the cloud and then on other syncing systems. For example, let’s say I am working on a document at work. Once done, it is synced in the cloud and then will be on my computer at home. Cloud backup is exactly that….a place in the cloud to backup and keep copies of everything.
Isn’t Cloud backup enough? NO! I would not want my music files and video files at all locations. They eat up so much space and time it would be a waste. There are chance cloud drives can get corrupted or go offline. That being said, this is what I use myself:
- Since I am a huge Google fan, I use the Google Drive with my G Suite (formerly Google Apps). I pay $10.00 a month for 1TB for all of my documents (Google and Microsoft Office) and only had 1 minor hitch in the years I have GDrive which was the version of the GDrive software were different. Got the latest update, everything updated instantly.
- I use Backblaze for EVERYTHING. Their prices are very reasonable. They are the only one I found that include Emergency Services whereby I can have them put my backups on a hard drive, overnight, and get to me to restore swiftly to cut back the download/restore time. In addition, I can return the hard drive within 15 days and I get the full refund.
- Finally, I use a Western Digital Passport for a local weekly backup. This helps if I need something quickly or to tie me over until the backup from Backblaze.
So there you have it. I have a couple trusty locations for my work, including my Ph.D. work. I know looking forward I will not have any downtimes. Unless you have a business at home, don’t get the NAS stuff. They are for networking, teamwork, and requires someone to monitor the systems often. Another tip: these backups can also be restored should you get a new computer! No need to fish for files, or get something to work. Restoring from the backup can get your new system up and go.
Hope this helps! See you soon…have a great day and take care of one another.
- Eric Wilson
Tech & Ed Coach 