About Backup Strategies

Great overview of backup strategies.  I would suggest a few more items.  The more I thought about this the longer the list got, maybe for a 'master class' version of the episode: 1) Although you mentioned manually copying files as an option, I suggest this should always be part of everyone's strategy.  Programs that monitor directories and only backup the changes are a great way to save space.  Sadly, these types of backups are more likely to fail.  Worse, you don't realize it until you try to restore your files.  Don't rely on software that helps you roll your own backup as they often use these algorithms to save space and bandwidth.  I learned this the hard way.   The same thing can happen if your backup requires a special program to access the files and restore them.  The good news is if you are syncing with Google or OneDrive this may be good enough.   2) When backing up, don't just backup your documents folder.  Think about if the download and desktop folders should be backed up (at least on windows machines).  I often download something I need long term but don't always remember to save it to a better place on my computer.   3) Backup strategy should include backing up passwords. Passwords saved in your browser may not be backed up to the cloud (although it is getting more common).  Either way, you still need to remember your master password.  If you backed up your files to Google but somehow forgot your password the backup is not very useful.  This is something to think about when setting up two factor authentication.  While this is a great way to secure your account, make sure you can still access your account if you lose your computer and phone.  (I believe both Google and Microsoft allow you to create one time passwords to use for your second factor authentication.   4) Programs that automatically backup your pictures can be a great part of your backup strategy.  Just make sure you can easily export the pictures and if they are modifying the pictures you are ok with it.  I believe Facebook changes jpgs into a second file format that allows them to more efficiently compress the pictures.  Google Photo's default is to reduce the size (and quality) of photos uploaded.    5) You touched on this but I think it is important to keep in mind, Google/Microsoft/Apple, they are not infallible.  Especially if you are using their free tiers.  Glitches can and do happen occasionally.  Plus, it may be a third part that causes the problems.  A few years back criminals would hack gmail accounts and send an email to everyone in the address book a sob story about being in a foreign country and urgently needing money wired.  The criminals would then delete the content of the address book.  For gmail Google Takeout.   6) THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS...Of course, the more important thing is to do something today.  Set up some automated backup now.  (Or even do a one-time manual copy of your files to a USB stick.)  A poor backup strategy is better than no backups.  Don't delay making a backup because you plan on a better approach tomorrow.  

Matt Schultz