You have data everywhere. There are important files and photos in your phone, PC, and tablet. While we have come a long way from the days of very unreliable technology, backing up your data is still just as important if not more so. These days we don't have to worry so much about if your technology just stops working on you. We have to worry about dropping our phones, leaving devices outside in the rain, and unexpected power surges. In this Tech Talk we will go over how to back up all your devices conveniently and affordably.
Backing Up Your Phones:
Phone back ups are most important. What would you do if you found out you can no longer access your photos on your phone you have been taking for a year and find out that they have not been backing up the whole time? Let's fix that.
iPhones:
iPhones have iCloud integrated with their software. This is probably the easiest method to keep your text messages, contacts, photos, etc backed up. You phone, if set up correctly and you have enough iCloud space remaining, should automatically back up when the phone is on wifi and also plugged in, like at night. It will only automatically back up if both of those conditions are met. The problem with iCloud is they only give you 5GB for free and that amount goes very quickly. The pricing on the higher tiers is not a bad price and even the lowest cost one gives most people enough room for what is on their phone. We always recommend getting more than you currently need. To check your iCloud storage use and also what is being backed up, on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. You can also purchase a higher plan from here as well.
Android:
Google does such an excellent job of backing up people's data. They are more generous with 15GB for free and you can download the same apps for the free 15GB on iPhones as well. Google uses apps like Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google One to back up your devices. We highly recommend going through the options of these apps to make sure you are getting all the other folders on your devices to also back up. Such as if you get a lot of photos from Facebook Messenger, those are not automatically backed up. You would need to set the messenger folder to also be backed up. To check your storage usage, you can open Gmail, Photos or Google Drive and click on your photo in the upper right hand corner. There you will see your storage used and options within.
PC:
PCs have a much easier time with back ups. Not only is it easy to back up to a USB drive, external drive, add a second storage drive inside the computer, etc. but you also have just as many cloud back up services. One Drive is a great option if you already have Office 365. This only backs up your desktop, documents, and photos folders however. There are other options like Google Drive for Windows, Dropbox, and more.
Why Cloud Storage?
While having a physical backup is always recommended just in case, cloud-based options tend to be much easier as they are sometimes just as cheap as getting a drive and doing all the copying yourself. They are also more integrated into what devices you are using and having your data available no matter which device you are on is very convenient. Also, in the case of fire, having an off-site backup will save you from physical destruction. Cloud systems also allow you to add more devices to your back up easier. Its all too easy to get a new phone for yourself or your child and have all the old data from the old phones waiting for you on the new device. Sharing the storage space is also a breeze on the above platforms.
If you are not sure if you are backing up correctly and want someone to look into your backup options, we do offer on-site visits. We can make sure you are backing up everything or just what you want to back up and help you select the most appropriate options for your needs and budget. Give us a call to set an appointment!
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