Every business depends on its computer systems to some degree or other.  For many, systems are vital to business survival and success.

This brief guide discusses the necessity for backing up computer systems, why it is important, and the criteria for choosing backup methods and frequency.   For further information or to discuss your particular needs, please contact Jim Symington – contact details are below.

What is backup?

People often talk about the importance of backup, but what is it?  In simple terms, it is keeping a copy of what’s on your computer so you can get it back if something goes wrong.

 
Can’t I just copy the files?

You may wonder why you might need to use backup software, rather than just copying the files.  Backup is a form of copying, but there are limitations and cautions with simple file copying:

 You may miss files – it is less easy to set up an automatic routine
 Open files cannot be copied
 It may not all fit on one CD or DVD, and you have to manually split the copy process. 
 You cannot use tape as backup device
 Broadly speaking, copying doesn’t work unattended
 You cannot back up your system (as opposed to your data) by copying. (You cannot satisfactorily copy system registry and start-up files.)

Why is backup important?

There is hardly a business that does not use computers.  And some depend on systems to function at all.  Loss of systems or data will cause one or more of the following:

1. Lost time - getting the system going again and recreating data
2. Immediate loss of revenue – inability to collect cash
3. Permanent loss of data, which can affect everything from accounting to marketing (lost contacts or customer records).
4. Lost customers
5. Extra costs.

How serious the effect of data loss will be depends on the business and what data has been lost. However, it is a fact that a proportion of companies that suffer major disruption to their systems go bust.

What are the threats?

1) Hardware failure – your computer or its storage device (normally hard disk) may fail.
2) Error – you may mistakenly delete, over-write or accidentally corrupt a file.
3) Fire, theft and flood – your computer or storage device may be stolen or burnt
4) Virus or intrusion – either may destroy or corrupt data, or damage systems

Watch this space for more detailed guidance on choosing appropriate backup means for your own systems.

If you need advice or help, please contact

Jim Symington

Chiltern Business Computing Ltd

07813 080053