Today's Tip ~ Tuesday, June 14, 2011 (kids, how to, computer, shopping)

[PJSinger]

http://bestsmileys.com/computer1/14.gif (broken link)

Hello, kids! As a follow-up to Monday's Tip, Today's Tip comes
from our good friend, Tek_Freek. Thanks a million, Tek!

BACK UP THOSE FILES!

I (Tek) am using Windows 7 so some of the dialog boxes I mention may not be exactly the same for XP users.

In order to make back ups as simple as possible I recommend using a program that can be set to run automatically. There are a lot out there, but I found this video that walks users through using a free program. The current version is newer than the one in the video, but I installed it and the interface is the same, or close enough to use the video for instructions.

http://download.cnet.com/Cobian-Back...-10071828.html

is the download page at CNET. The method for finding the software used in the video does not work since the first Google link we get is not necessarily the one he gets.

At CNET click the Download Now button at the left and wait for the dialog box to open. Click on Save and after it saves you should get a second dialog box to Run the program. You dialog boxes may be different, but Save and Run should be there.

After the program is installed follow the directions in the video.

I recommend using incremental backups. This method will backup everything you want the first time the program runs, then copy only new or changed files after that. This makes the subsequent back ups run much quicker. You can always change the setup to do a full back up at any time, then set it back to incremental if you want. setting it to full will "refresh" all the files on the back up medium and changing it back will then copy only new or changed files again.

Of note is the need to choose a backup time when the PC is not in use, and it's running. Depending on the amount of data to copy this could be over lunch, or during dinner. If you leave your PC on all the time set it to run at night.

If you have any questions about the program post them and I will help as much as I can.

There are other methods that can be used. You can do all the copying/pasting manually if you want. The downside to this is that you have to remember to do it!

If any of the other computer geeks have other solutions please post them. The one I show is not the end-all method by any means.

[sun queen]

U can't go wrong with Technical Tips

[Bella52]

I need to do this before it's too late. Thank you Tek and PJ

[Gue]

Very Nice!

[Caladium]

Yup, we just had a major computer malfunction a few days ago. Thank god we had done a backup--I'm mourning the loss of one day's work but it could have been much worse.

[Tek_Freek]

I am embarrassed. I was tired when I did the post for you and missed a rather important piece of the puzzle: The link to the video!!

So here it is -


YouTube - ‪How to backup your computer quickly and cheaply‬‏

[Sweetie Pie]

Thanks Pam & Tek!

[tasmtairy]

Thanks guys, lots of good puter tips!!

[Caligula1]

Thanks Tek and Pam, i'm very bad about doing this!!!

[nitram]

Oh no, not another day of headaches, LOL Good tips folks and smart ones too.

Everytime I hear back-up it reminds me of the time at the shopping mall years ago when someone backed into the side of my car and took off.