Things to know about backups:
- “Cloud” backup services do not mean that your data literally goes up into the sky. It means that your data is sitting in a warehouse full of servers, somewhere. If you get tricked into using a cheap cloud service, it might be in some guy’s basement.
- The “Cloud” (Google Apps for Business, Office 365, Exchange) is a great way to sync your contacts, calendars, reminders, and notes because it stores your data OFF-SITE.
- Your files can also be backed up onto a remote server (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc).
- You should also back up your important files onto an external USB drive. If you can afford multiple drives, keep one off site and rotate every week.
- They also make “Network Attached Storage” drives so that your computer can back up wirelessly, no need to plug in a drive.
- For the extra-paranoid, they even make Fireproof NAS, where it’s basically a file server built into a fireproof, lockable enclosure, which can then be bolted to the floor.
- You can even use a NAS drive to backup your Google Drive or Dropbox files.
