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Information
FAQ
About backing up data
What computers are backed up by IS?
Information Systems backs up servers, not individual computers. You are responsible for backing up data stored on your laptop or desktop.
There are a couple of exceptions. IS backs up a handful of administrative desktops that contain data critical to the Schools' operation. We also back up any readable hard drive of computers going off site for repairs.
How often should I back up my data?
Whitewater rafting guides often say there are two kinds of rafters: those who have fallen out of the boat, and those who will. The concept applies to computer users: there are those who have lost data, and those who will.
How can I make it easy to stay current with backups?
The easier it is to back up, the more likely you are to do it. Here are some tips to make it easy:
- Reduce the volume of items needing backup. Use the file server for storing important documents. Keep your laptop or desktop free of old files. Clean out old email regularly.
- Keep all the documents you save on your computer in a single place. We recommend putting the Documents folder in your dock for easy access and keeping everything there. You could also just keep a Burn folder in your dock or on your desktop for items you know you want to back up. When it’s time to back those files up, just drag the folder on to the CD or DVD you’ll burn or burn right from the Burn folder. No muss, no fuss.
- Decide what other files are important to you besides documents – e-mails, music files, photographs - and learn to back them up, too. Users tell us that photographs are the most painful data to lose.
- Attend an IS training session, check the IS web site for backup tutorials, use Atomic Learning, or visit the Help Menu in the application you’re using to learn how to back up. It is easier to learn than you probably think and doesn’t take long.
- Make a years’ worth of appointments with yourself to do regular backups and put them on your calendar. Don’t let other events interfere. Consider this a high priority task, which it actually is. Losing big chunks of data can seriously impair your ability to work.
- Make sure you have ready access to blank writeable CD-Rs and DVD-Rs and sleeves or cases to put them in. Order them as you would any other office supply (IS does not provide these).
- Find a secure place to store your backups. Someplace at home is good. Use a Sharpie pen to mark the date and contents on the CD/DVD. Destroy old CD or DVD backups you no longer need (a hammer or a pair of tin snips work fine).
