Data backup is the most important thing you can do to your computer. All your documents, pictures, videos, and memories are stored on the hard drive and when that fails, it’s all gone. Frankly, it is extremely hard and time consuming to recover data and forensics recovery can run in the thousands of dollars. If your computer does fail, it is important to unplug it and have it looked at before data is overwritten. Data recovery starts at $100.

Some free data backup methods:

Microsoft Live Skydrive – link
Microsoft offers 5GB of FREE space for data storage on their billion dollar server network. It now offers Office 2010 integration so that you can save directly to live drive so you can access your documents everywhere with internet access, so you can worry less about losing your thumbdrive!

Mozy - link
One of the easiest to use online backup programs. You pick which folders you want to use and your data is automatically backed up securely to their servers. Even if your computer burns down, you can retrieve them over the internet later.

Acebackup automatic schedule file backup – link
Backup files to external hard drives, flash drives, DVD, CD, networked computers, with built in security. Guide.

DriveImage XML – link
Make a full image or ghost of your computer with this freeware program. Creates restore images or clones to other hard drives, ready in case disaster strikes. When your PC crashes and burns or just slows down over time, the best insurance you can have is a mirror image. Guide.

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