How to back up your files like a boss Podcast EP 2
HOW TO BACK UP YOUR FILES LIKE A BOSS PODCAST EP 2
You don’t have to be a photographer or even someone in business to know the important of having multiple backups of your important files. Whether it’s your family photos, documents, recipes, etc you should have a way to feel safe that they’re secure.
When i first started researching this, and that maybe i go overboard a bit.. but give me a break being a photographer made me that way. I can’t afford to lose those files, i found a great way someone else was doing it, and FULLY agree with the “3,2,1 Backup Strategy.” So that’s what i’m going to teach you!
Let’s get right to the point cause this topic may lose some of you to daydream about anything not technology. Here’s what it looks like:
-3 copies of EACH file
-2 local copies, this means at home storage but different locations Example TWO harddrives, one being an external hard drive (meaning not ON your computer.) psssst inside tip- don’t store your files on your computer anyway- it takes up space and slows down your computer system over time. There are also hard drives that work FOR you which means some wireless hard drives will upload and store automatically. SWEET.
-1 offsite backup. This means stored online somewhere but not at home. I use Smugmug and although they have a system big enough for my photography businessthey also have different price point structures depending on what YOU need and what’s even better?- i have a code for you to get 20% off your first year. WOW. The code is attached here. There are a ton of other sites too, but smugmug not only offers storage, but great customer service, and the ability for my clients to print right from the site from my professional lab of choice and right to their door. who doesn’t love shopping from home!? Not to mention they’re beautifully displayed with the chance to make them private with password protected galleries.
there it is. the 3,2,1 backup strategy. But here’s a few more tips for those of you who have NO clue what to purchase for external hard drives.
-First don’t burn to DVDs, it takes too much time, progress in technology are making them soon obsolete, and can easily become corrupted.
-Second also don’t copy to jump drives or thumb drives. Although there’s been huge advances and hold more, the best thing is a hard drive.
-Third when purchasing a hard drive make sure (this is an easy one) it fits your computer. here’s a few i suggest!
All of these options are in the amazon link below!
1- Drobo 5N. For most people, this is going to be a bit much. 5 hard drives in one, redundancy feature, works over time machine, and a bit expensive. But if you're a professional photographer or in a similar field, it's worth the money.
2-The Crucial SSD 2TB. Again for most this is a LOT of storage. I decided to go with this one and build my own for travel. You can purchase one already complete or buy one like this to build your own. It's up to you!
3-Seagate 1TB BarraCuda. This one is a lot cheaper and would be a great backup for those not in the photography field. Starting around $55. This one is just the internal hard drive so you'd have to purchase the enclosure but if you look at suggestions on amazon it can get you all the gear you need! It's an HDD
4-Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB HDD. It's about $80 and includes the enclosure. Be careful with HDD vs SSD. HDD means there are moving parts so if you drop it especially if it's plugged in and working, it could corrupt some files. the SSD is more expensive but can bump around more.
5- LaCie Porsche Design 8TB USB-C Destop Hard Drive. This is my newest baby and stays home. Over $200 so another one a bit much unless you’re in business of some kind. this thing is a beast and sleek and beautiful and not that it matters but then i can say i own a Porsche. No?
There are SO many many and you can just copy and paste those right into amazon to make life easier. i also cross referenced these with a tech nerd i trust so it’s not JUST my suggestions. You’re welcome.
WHEW. a lot of potentially boring information depending on what you find fascinating but so important from the everyday mom to the tech nerd. I’m all about displaying your photographs as art, but having them backed up along with all your documents is important. So don’t keep putting it aside. Once you sit down with your little investment and push the files over, it’s not too tough to do, promise!
Just in case you missed the 20% off code for smugmug here it is again!
Keep Shining
