Indecision can be a hell of a thing. Why do I say this? Well, a few years back, when I never used to backup my important stuff, I lost all (well, most) of my important files when my hard drive crashed. I was so upset with myself that …. well, I can’t even describe how I really felt. It was an empty feeling. Imagine losing ALL of your important documents and files!

Of course, that never happened to me again! I immediately invested in a Zip Drive to backup my files. And, later as time went by I bought a CD Burner to make copies on CD and DVD. I even have a Flash Drive to do some minor backups of smaller files. All this underscores the importance of making copies of what you may consider important. All too often persons lose vital documents to ‘Mr. Crash’ or ‘Ms. Bad Sector’.

So, what options are there that are geared towards performing a backup of your files? I mentioned a few at the start, but here is a list that is not limited to the options stated here:

1. Jazz Drive
2. Zip Drive
3. Re-Writable Compact Disc (CDRW)
4. Digital Video Disc (DVD)
5. Flash Drive (plugs into USB)
6. Tape Drive

The time period between your backups is up to you. But my advice to you is: Backup each time you make major (even minor) changes to your files. And use software that will give you value for money. For example, Microsoft Backup is a powerful and easy-to-use utility to use. You can do research for others that you may be more comfortable with.

I can assure you that the small investment you make in a backup device will seem negligible to the hours of work you will save and all the heartache you will save yourself if you should end up losing your files for not backing them up. So, if you don’t have even one of these devices, please go out and get one today!