Essential File Backup Guide for Computer Users

1. File Backup by Jerry Niebaum

2. In a computer system, a file is a collection of information with a single name, such as addresses.doc, or filebackup.ppt, or ftwr.exe, or guidebook.xls. These names represent 4 different files and 4 different file types. There are basically 2 categories of files: Programs Data

3. Program files are either on your computer when you buy it or are created whenever you install a new program. How does one backup a program file? You don't !

4. KEEP YOUR PROGRAM DISKS ! (where you cand find them)

5. My Documents Files are ALWAYS organized in folders. Some folders are special. All files are ultimately kept in some form of electronic storage. Other special folders are: Desktop My Pictures My Downloads etc.

6. Folders can contain files or other folders.

9. There are several different ways to view to contents of a folder. Filmstrip Thumbnails Tiles Icons List Details

11. Right click on a folder Select Customize

12. These are your choices.

13. My Documents Backup is done by copying folders to a different storage location.

14. What are some possible threats to your data files? Disk or system failure. Accidental deletion System destruction

15. Which data files would you miss most if they were gone? Genealogy Pictures Browser favorites Email files Addresses Financial records Letters

16. Backing up browser favorites. Search for Favorites folder.

17. Which of the data files are the toughest to backup? Mail files Addresses

18. Backing up Outlook Express E-mail messages. To make a backup copy of your Outlook Express e-mail message files: 1.On the Tools menu, click Options. 2.On the Maintenance tab, click Store Folder. 3.Select the folder location, and then press CTRL+C to copy the location. 4.Click Cancel, and then click Cancel again to close the dialog box. 5.Click Start, and then click Run. 6.In the Open box, press CTRL+V, and then click OK. 7.On the Edit menu, click Select All. 8.On the Edit menu, click Copy, and then close the window. 9.Right-click any empty space on your desktop, click New, and then click Folder. 10.Type mail backup for the folder name, and then press ENTER. 11.Double-click the Mail Backup folder to open it. 12.On the Edit menu, click Paste. 13.Close the Mail Backup window.

19. Export the Address Book to a File To export your Outlook Express address book: 1.On the File menu, click Export, and then click Address Book. 2.Click Text File (Comma Separated Values), and then click Export. 3.Click Browse. 4.Locate the Mail Backup folder that you created. 5.In the File Name box, type address book backup, and then click Save. 6.Click Next. 7.Click to select the check boxes for the fields that you want to export, and then click Finish. 8.Click OK and then click Close.

20. If you are using ku.edu for your email, and if you use IMAP, then your files are kept on the KU computers. Backup is done by KU.

21. If you use another email system, then follow directions from the vendor.

22. If you are using a Web-based email, then your files are kept on the server by the provider. Backup is done by the provider.

23. Storage devices for backup. CD or DVD External Drive Flash Drive Network Services External Drive

24. Computer disks are like cars Eventually, they fail .

25. Computer users don’t plan to fail. However, they do … fail to backup

26. Create a strategy for backup. Follow it regularly. The End