FILE BACK UP.

File backup simply means creation of a duplicate file which is eventually located separately from the original file. The idea behind file backup is to protect the files on your computer system from destruction due to system (software or hardware) crash, viruses or unintentional deletion. If you constantly back up your files, they can be easily restored in the event of system failure.

Your computer system cannot dictate to you on which files to back up. It is all your choice to do so. You should always make a thorough check of which files are hard to replace. These are the files which should be given the highest priority when it comes to file backup. File backup is not limited to such files only; pictures, music, video clips or programs can also be considered for backup. Program backup should only be done when there is no installation CD with you otherwise, it will be a total waste of space and time to do so.

The frequency of your file backup depends largely on how you constantly modify them. Some people opt for daily backups while others choose weekly backups. Such frequency of file backup is suitable for those whose systems are highly vulnerable to virus attacks or system crashes. You can also choose to run manual or automatic backup depending on what is best for you. Unfortunately, Windows Vista Home Basic does not include the option for automatic backup despite periodical reminders of file backup.

When backing up your files on your system, the Windows Back Up Files Wizard will not include files like:

Ø System Files which Windows needs to run

Ø Your system’s Program files

Ø Recycle bin files pending deletion

Ø Temporary files

Ø User account settings or Profiles

The Windows environment tracks the files that have been modified or added since your last performance of file backup. There are also a number of options when running back up. Windows will always check your system and display a number of possible locations where you can backup your files which include:

Ø CD/DVD

Ø Hard Disk

Ø Network

Another point worth to note is that Backup can be saved to media that are in the following formats: New Technology File System (NTFS), File Allocation Table (FAT) or Universal Disk Format (UDF).

If your files are backed up on external media, great care should be taken into consideration in order to prevent further loss. Mishandling of CD’s or DVD’s can result in destroying your backup files.

Here is an example of how to run file back up in Windows Vista:

Ø Click Start

Ø Click Control Panel

Ø Open Backup And Restore Centre

Ø Select Backup Files or Backup Computer

Ø Click Continue

Ø Select your backup Media

Ø Click Next and follow instructions that follow.