Personal computer users can consider both local backup and Internet backup.

Local Backup

• Backing up critical files to diskettes. This approach is commonly used by people who keep their checkbooks and personal finance data on the computer. Programs like Quicken and Managing Your Money always remind users when they quit the program to backup their data. If your hard disk crashes, you'll be able to reconstruct your checkbook balances. If you have other files (for example, chapters of a book you're working on), you'll want to backup every single day's work. Copying it to a diskette is quick and economical.
• Backing up to a Zip drive, Jaz, Syquest, or similar hard disks. Once a week or so, you should back up your files (at least your own data files and perhaps the entire contents of your hard drive) to an alternative storage device, such as a Zip drive. These devices hold at least one million bytes on a special hard disk. Backing up usually takes a while (about 45 minutes for the contents of a 500 megabyte hard disk).
• There are also easily removable drives that you can back up to, especially if you have other reasons to use these (for example, for large graphic images that you store offline).

Internet Backup

• Atrieva provides the user with a client program that allows the user to send files being backed up to an Atrieva-designated backup site. One monthly charge entitles you to back up up to 25 megabytes.
• BackupNet sells both a server and a client and is aimed at helping you set up your own intranet.
• QuickBackup is a client program from McAfee Associates. They have a modest charge for the client and a relatively low monthly charge for storing 30 MB. QuickBackup lets you save by folder or file types.

Getting started with backup

To explore how backups are used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources:

Tutorial on purchasing virtual tape libraries: If you're selecting a VTL, here is the criteria for evaluating VTLs, as well as a series of specifications to help you compare products from vendors.

Enterprise-class tape library purchase considerations: This guide focuses on the specific considerations of enterprise-class tape libraries.

Quick tutorial for evaluating backup products: This buying guide looks at the key factors involved in evaluating and selecting backup products.

Enterprise-class disk array purchase considerations: Now that you've reviewed the essential issues involved in any backup acquisition, this segment focuses on the specific considerations of enterprise-class disk arrays.

Read more about it:
>>	SearchStorage.com is a storage-specific portal with information about backups.