No More Shoebox’s
As the digital wave sweeps over us and replaces the box of negatives that you store in your closet, people are realizing that a hard drive full of photos is not a secure way to preserve the memories that are so important to us. So what IS the best way to make sure that your memories can survive the test of time, or worse? Read on for the answers.
Backup to Disc
For starters, get the pictures OFF of your hard drive. Well wait, its okay to keep them there, but get a copy onto Cd or DVD. How often you do that is up to you, for me I take alot of pictures consistently, so I do a backup every month or so. Maybe for you, it makes more sense to backup after major holiday’s and vacation. Backing up to CD or DVD is easy, if you use Windows XP its as simple as putting in a blank disc, and “drag and dropping” the files into the disc. Then click the “write these files to CD” link on the left of the window. There are also a wide selection of programs like Nero or Easy CD Creator, that have options to burn DATA discs. Any of these will do, just find something that you like and do it regularly.
Multiple Methods/Multiple Locations
If you really want to have your pictures (or really ALL your data) safe, you want to employ at least two methods of backup in TWO different locations. Think of it this way, if you have your pictures on your computer, and also on a DVD, but then your house burns down (god forbid) then your pics are toast anyway. So thats where the second backup comes into play. Make a second backup and put it in a safe deposit box, or at a friend or family members house. There are also several options for online backup that are nice. The online options also can give you automatic services so you don’t have to remember to do the backup!
That’s it, just get those pictures backed up, you will be glad you did when your computer crashes, trust me.
