Taking the time to back up your files isn’t exactly an exciting chore, but it is necessary in our digital world. It doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task — it can even be automated if you use the right tools. Here are our some of the best tools and our top tips for ensuring you don’t face a total digital loss.
Choosing your Tools
An external hard drive is one of the most common ways people back up their files from their home or office computers. It’s a great start, but did you know it is also important to back up your files offsite? If something happens to your home or office, offsite storage will ensure you are able to retrieve your data which was lost.
Back Up:
Time Machine
If you are a Mac user you have access to Time Machine, their back up software application. Time Machine automatically backs up your files to an external hard drive so you don’t even need to think about it. Time Machine also handles versioning, meaning it can recover deleted files if you find you’ve moved something to the trash unintentionally.
Backblaze
Available for PC or Mac, personal or business use, Backblaze is one of the best cloud-based file back up services available. It’s also cost effective and easy to use which are always major bonuses.
Storage:
Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the top file storage services available. File storage, collaboration, sharing, syncing between your devices — it really is a good option, especially for artists or those who work with artists.
Pro-Storage by ArtMoi
Did you know ArtMoi has a file storage feature? Pro-Storage allows ArtMoi users to store any type of file and attach those files to their creations. Commission contracts, certificates of authenticity, high resolutions images, media files; your options are endless.
External Hard Drive
If you don’t have one yet, you should get one.
Important Tips
1. Automation is key. Using a service for automatic back ups ensures you don’t forget.
2. Test that you can recover your files from any service or device you are using for storage or backup.
3. Keep your data both onsite (your computer, external hard drive, other devices such as a phone) and offsite (a cloud-based back up or storage platform).
Taking the time to ensure you are following best practices and using the best tools for file back up and storage will give you peace of mind in case of accidental data loss.
