Micro Peripherals - Solutions

BACK-UPS

This is one of the most overlooked thing that you NEED to do. To do this you need two things software that can back-up your system, and the Hardware to back it up on. The Hardware aspect is fairly simple, you need to by a second hard drive. This can be an actual hard drive and have it physically installed inside the computer. It can be an external hard drive connected to the computer through a network or USB. A simple thumb drive can be used to backup the documents only and a hard drive for the software, registry and other things.

A good example of an USB thumb drive. This USB thumb drive is 16GB good enough for most documents. Sandisk also use U3 software. This software can be setup so that when you plug it into your main computer, it will copy all files that you can fit in it and also backup you Outlook contacts, calender, email and more. It even copies your favorites from your brower of choice. You can then take it with you, and get the information on other computers. With a pre-programmed virus checker, it will keep your document safe from virus that the public computer that you are using may have. The connection retracts for safety. Works with PC (Windows or Linux.) Personally we have one for years and have not regretted it once.

A good example of an external USB drive. This external drive comes in many different drive sizes. Personally we use a 500GB and have been able to backup two computers with it. Italso comes with backup software that makes it easy to backup the drive. Music, pictures, browser favorites, Outlook information, documents any thing you want. It is small and compact. Fits in a shirt pocket. It comes with a small USB cable, but if you are connecting a system that does not use USB 2.0 the cable needs to be that small for it to work. Excellent for backing up laptops.

These are just 2 of the many USB devices out there. These units have the Software included to backup your important data and are simple and easy to connect and use. There also network and internal drives that you may consider, if you are so technically inclined. Check the Hardware page for all the options available to you.

There is another option, backing up onto the internet. There are companies on the internet that allow you to backup your information onto there server. An example of this is ElephantDrive.

The software to backup Windows itself is a much different story. Windows (since Windows ME) comes included with a Software feature that can backup its most important files. Click on Start, then All Programs, open System Tools, then System Restore. You should create a Restore point before you add any Software or hardware. There exist Software that can help with the backing up of Windows.

A good example of software that can backup Windows. This little software has so many different features it amazing. It not only backups Windows files, to any location you wish, it can repair many different problems as well.

With these tips and the proper Software and Hardware you should be prepare to return your system back to normal in case your computer is doomed and you need to restore your information.