The Importance of Backing up Data (Music, Writing, Graphics etc.)

Whether you write articles and essays, create graphics, develop videos, or produce music, backing up your work is crucial. If the files are important to you for future use or important to your clients then backing up them up will eliminate worry if you were to ever lose the files from its primary location. To prevent excess data loss, here are some elaborative points to consider:

Use Multiple Backup Methods
There are many ways to back up your projects so take advantage of as many techniques as possible – both the old-school techniques and the new techniques. The most common way (and the safest way) is to backup using a physical storage device like an external hard drive. This is the most recommended method one should consider undertaking as it involves less time consumption and there is a less likely chance that the data will be lost. But, even if one is confident in using an external hard drive, it is always better to be safe than to regret the precautions you could have measured. Backing up via an external hard drive is good, but why not try a USB flash drive for files with smaller bytes. You can also backup projects online which is called “cloud storage”. Some online storage services come at a price but you can also get some limited services for free – although be very cautious as to what you want backed up on the internet. Another method is to send yourself an email message (or multiple messages) using a service such as Sendspace or Transfer Big Files. Sending yourself an email message using a standard email service like Yahoo or Gmail will not allow you to include large files over a certain threshold; a threshold that will be way too small for backing up large folders for music, graphics and so on. Furthermore, you can back up your files and folders using CD and/or DVD discs. You can easily purchase discs at a low price, suitable for data that does not usually exceed 4GB. This is just enough data if you want to back up music projects, photo galleries and etcetera.

Update Backups Frequently
Backing up for the first time may make you feel somewhat relieved but it will not be that relieving if you lose data on your computer which has been updated yet your last backup was over a year ago. Thus, you need to backup very often. I recommend updating your backups at least once a month. This does not mean you have to update your DVD disc backups monthly but what’s recommended is to choose one of the methods I have listed in the previous section (preferably the USB flash drive or external hard drive technique) and update that device more often than the other methods. 

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Organise Your Folders and Files
A huge problem I encounter is the disorganisation of folders. It is mind-throbbing when browsing through folders with numerous files in different formats from different programs. Even more aggravating when the name of that file is misleading; forcing the creator to forget what that file may contain – especially if the file was created a long time ago, so in order to keep easy storage of your backups (and there primary folders), create folders within folders.  For example, create a new major folder which you could call “Music Production Backups” if you are backing up your recently modified music projects (which, as a music producer myself, I highly recommend you’d do repeatedly). Then, if you are backing up images, you can label the major folder “Image Design Backups” – it is as simple as that! There isn’t much to worry about during your backup process; the only time you should worry is if you don’t back up your files.

Store Your Backup Devices Safely
Disappointing it can be if a few DVD’s are full of backups, yet thrown in a cupboard unprotected; prone to damage by mishandling. Clear DVD/CD sleeves can be purchased for a very low price and this is all you need to protect the physical discs that are vital for your data protection. Relating to what I discussed previously, it is recommended to organise your CDs using a folder with clear plastic pockets to help stock those countless discs and labelling them accordingly.

To Finalise
These are only a few principles to consider when backing up your music and why it is important. I have adopted these methods myself and it has surely provided justice for my data protection; saving me from any worry that my data will at some point be lost. It is straightforward and worthwhile to adopt, especially if you are an avid computer user with numerous types of important works on your computer.

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D.J. Hill (D-Funkdafied)

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