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The number one reason most people don't back up their data is
that the procedure is too complicated. Guess what? The people were right.
But now they have a better choice.Let's compare a one-button external hard
drive, an online backup service, and BackupKey.
CDs,
DVDs, tapes and other options are more difficult, so
we'll stick with the easy ones here.
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One-Button Drive |
Online Backup |
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Installation |
| Depending on the brand, you will need to either install from a CD-ROM or use an
installation file on the drive. In some cases, you'll need a lengthy registration key. Don't lose it!
Proceed through several screens, most containing options. Be sure to get all of the options right.
Unfortunately, in many cases the software will be a "lite" version of some
commercial software (hoping you will fork out the money for an upgrade). In any case, what's in the
box is all you get. No free upgrades for you! |
Once you have researched and selected an online backup (a confusing, intensive and
time-consuming task by itself), you will get an email with download instructions. Download the
software from the Web site. Keep the Web address in case you need to re-install after a crash!
Proceed through several screens, most containing options. Be sure to get all of the options right.
During the installation process, you will be required to create a secure password (lots of
numbers, letters and symbols). Never, ever lose this password or you will not be able to restore your
data -ever! The online backup company doesn't know it - so they can't send it to you. |
Windows XP and 2000: none Windows Vista: On first run, a window pops up. Right-click
on the BackupKey program, select "run as administrator". Detailed on-screen instructions are provided. |
Configuration |
| Configuration is where traditional backup systems fail
miserably. Why? Because correct configuration of a backup requires a data
storage expert. Suppose you want to back up your Outlook or Outlook Express data.
Traditional systems say "tell me where it is and I'll back it up." Well? 90% of computer
users don't know where their email is stored because it is literally hidden from them!
Other software is just as bad, storing data in unusual (and often illogical) places. If
you don't know where it is, it doesn't get backed up! Some backup software tells you
to select data types to backup - DOC, XLS, TXT and so forth. Well, what if you use data
files that don't fall into those categories? Tens of thousands of programs create data
that will not be backed up by this method. And just as bad, if your backup software
does not include free updates, you'll miss any new types, such as the new Word (DOCX) and Excel (XLSX) files.
Now for some real fun. Configuration also requires decisions about backup destination,
backup file characteristics, compression ratio, version retention, encryption,
password selection, media type, media rotation, and scheduling. Would you prefer a
full backup, incremental or differential? If you make the wrong choices, you will not get the backup you need. |
For all standard Windows computers: none. BackupKey is already
set up for small business, home and student use. For servers and
specialty computers: tell BackupKey where you keep your data (4-5 mouse clicks - no typing) |
Regular Use |
| Plug it in and press the button. Also, you can leave it attached and
set a schedule for automatic backups. |
Automatic scheduled backups. With a few mouse clicks, you can force an immediate backup. |
Plug it in and press 'Enter'. Also, you can leave it attached and set a schedule for automatic backups. |
After a Computer Crash |
| If you have kept your installation disc, re-install the software
(see above). If you do not have the disc, you had better hope that you can buy a
replacement, because many backup programs store your backups in a way that only the
original backup program can recover your data! Next, configure the software (see above).
Finally, restore your data. If you only want to restore some of your files, you'll
need to find and select them. What? you don't remember where your Outlook files are
kept? You'll be spending some time searching for them...
If you have been using differential or incremental backups, you'll need to restore
from 2 or more different backups. For example, some of your Word files will be on
your monthly backup, others on your weekly backup and still others on your daily backup. |
Go to the Web site, log in and download the backup software. Re-install
it on your computer (see above). You will need your original high-security password to
access your data. If you have lost your password, you have also lost your data.
They cannot email it to you. Next, configure the software (see above).
Finally, restore your data. If you need to restore all of your data, you'll just
have to wait for the download. A gigabyte of data takes a long time...
If you only want to restore some of your files, you'll need to find and select them.
What? you don't remember where your Internet Favorites are kept? You'll be spending some time searching for them... |
Plug your BackupKey in, then press 'Enter'.
Next, restore your data. Click 'View and Restore'. Select all or any part of your
data. For instance, if you want your Outlook data, select 'Outlook'. It's right there in front of you. |
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