Since no system is completely secure, you should regularly back up important files. This is also your best defense against losing files to viruses, software or hardware failure, or the loss or theft of your computer.
How often should I back up my files?
This depends on how often your files change. Choose a regular interval, at least twice per month, and keep to the schedule.
How should I back up my files?
-
- Departmental Computers
- Talk to your Computing Support Coordinator. They may have a backup system in place and can help you.
- OIT Supported Computers
- OIT Managed Clients can leverage Microsoft OneDrive to automatically backup their documents in a secure manner.
- OIT also provides backup services for a monthly fee, generally used for servers.
- Research Data
- UCI Researchers can leverage the campus-funded CrashPlan solution to securely backup research data.
- Other Solutions
- Windows now includes Windows Backup and Restore Center. Depending on the version of Windows you have, you may either do Automatic Backup which backs up your files and data or Complete PC Backup which backs up everything on your PC.
- Mac OS X includes a backup utility called Time Machine that can do automatic backups to an HFS+ formatted FireWire or USB drive connected to your Mac.
- Departmental Computers
Where should I store my backed up files?
Store your backed up files off site in a secure location. If something happens to your computer or your office, you’ll be able to recover your data. Ensure that backups are immutable and encrypted if they include high risk data.