Backup and Data Recovery: How to Backup and Recover
What is it?
Backup is a security copy of your data from a storage device (cell phones, tablets, computers) or system (applications, software, and games) to another environment so that they can be restored if you lose the original information, switch devices, among other cases.
Where to backup
First of all, choose where your copy will be saved. You have two options: Physical media backup Examples of physical and removable media are external hard drives (HDs), CDs, and pen drives. You should not back up files from a computer, for example, on the same HD where your Windows is installed. If you opt for physical media, store it in a safe place to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the files. You can also consider encrypting data and doing it periodically to keep it up to date.
Cloud backup
Cloud backup takes your data to a remote server, which you can access via the Internet. Basically, you use another computer's storage space. There are several free cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, Box, OneDrive, and more robust paid solutions for businesses. Depending on the space you need, 15 GB may be more than enough. It is recommended, when doing it in the cloud, to use a Wi-Fi network since files can consume a lot of mobile data (if using a smartphone) and possibly incur additional costs or deplete your data package. One of the benefits of cloud storage for backups is being able to access your files anytime and anywhere, as well as sharing files with others using the ease of a link.
- WhatsApp backup: In WhatsApp, you can back up your chats and media files to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) and transfer them if you switch phones. This backup can be updated periodically and automatically.
- Photo and video backup: The simplest way to back up photos and videos on your phone is by using Google Photos. All the photos you take with your phone's camera are saved to your Google account. Just sync, and the changes will be reflected on all devices. If you usually use iCloud to store your files, no problem: you can migrate your photos and videos to Google's service. Free storage is unlimited for photos in “high quality” up to 16 MP (photos are compressed to save space. If a photo is larger than 16 MP, it will be resized, as will videos over 1080p).
- iPhone backup: If you use iOS, the backup is stored in iCloud, Apple's cloud service. Keeping a backup is important if you plan to update or restore the device.
- Windows backup: The type of backup you will do depends on the Windows version. Manual backup is recommended for newer versions. In it, you choose and transfer files and settings to removable media or a network location. For an older version, use Windows' own Backup and Restore Center.
- Backup software: For both Windows and macOS, you will find software that helps with the backup process, in addition to the native assistants of each of these operating systems. But what do they do besides assisting in the backup? As a differential and incremental, they offer encryption, automation, scheduling, synchronization with the cloud, and with various devices. There are more complete paid versions.
Examples of backups
Here are some common backups in our daily lives. See how some of them work:
Backing up or restoring data on Android devices
Automatically backup the smartphone
Important: To protect your backed-up data, use a PIN, pattern, or password.
You can set your device to back up your files automatically.
1. Open the device's "Settings" app.
2. Select Google Backup.
Tip: If this is the first time you are doing this, enable Google One Backup and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Tap Backup now.
Google One backup can take up to 24 hours to complete. When your data is saved, the message "On" will appear below the selected data types.
Manually backup data and settings
1. Open the smartphone's Settings app.
2. Tap Google Backup.
If these steps do not match your phone's settings, search for the backup option in the Settings app or ask the device manufacturer for help.
3. Tap Backup now.
Whatever backup you need to do, follow the instructions in the tutorial links and keep a physical or cloud storage copy of all your files, avoiding the loss of original files and creating a chance of data recovery. A great tip is to work with automatic backup and schedule periodic copies.