Centralized File Storage Options

Chances are that you or someone you know has been through the frustrating event of a computer crash. Backing up your computer on a centralized file storage system is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent data loss. When you back up your files, either on an external hard drive or online, you are making a copy of your data that won't be compromised if something happens to your computer.

External hard drives are a popular choice for data backup. They are lightweight, portable and able to store a large amount of data. Most external hard drives keep your data protected by allowing you to add password protection. They are plug and play devices, usually using a USB to connect to your computer. By leaving your drive plugged in to your computer, you can allow your computer to perform automatic and continuous backups of your data to ensure that you will have all of your important files in the event of a computer crash.

There is a variety of storage sizes to choose from depending on your needs, ranging from around 6GB to a few terabytes. Entire operating systems can be stored on the external hard drive, and it can also be used as a boot up device so you can restore the operating system if your computer crashes.

The alternative to external hard drives is online storage. Online storage services like SugarSync, OpenDrive and Mozy offer scheduled backups, excellent security, private file sharing and sometimes mobile access. The advantage of using online storage over an external hard drive is that you can access your files from any computer in the world that has internet access simply by logging in to your account. Some sites offer free storage, while others require monthly fees, an average of $4.99 a month for 50GB of storage. Your data is also protected in the event of a natural disaster or house fire, where an external hard drive could be ruined.

Online storage also offers automatic backup, which you can set a schedule for or have it enable when it detects inactivity on your computer.

When you upload files to the website, it is SSL encrypted. The files stored are protected by the same security banks often use, 128-bit AES technology. With these two security methods, your files are completely safe from identity thieves. You don't have to worry about not being able to access your files because a server is down since your files are backed up in multiple data centers, allowing you constant access in the event of down time.

Whatever method you choose depends on your needs, but when you back up your files, you can rest assured that if you get a virus, trojan or spyware, your files are completely safe.