[little87]

I'm clearly stressed and getting old as I cannot remember how to do a backup. I've been using Linux exclusively for almost a year so that certainly doesn't help my memory. I know my Windows 10 computer just did a huge update/upgrade to a 2020 version, previously I was running a 2016 version (because I had been on dialup and could not upgrade).

 

I think it would be best to just start fresh with all my backups. What should I be backing up and what FREE software should I use?

 

I think what's throwing me off is what I keep reading about incremental backups as I never did those before. There's so much info out there it tends to be overwhelming. My brain cannot keep up with everything. And obviously, this is something I want to do correctly.

 

This time I'll make a note of everything for when I forget again later.

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I think there are many ways of backing up, and if your existing methods work OK for you then continue to use them but do check that your backups are all reproducible, comprehensive and include everything that you dont want to lose.

 

I always have at least 3 copies of my backups with at least one kept offsite on removable media, and remember that a backup that you cannot rely upon is no real back up at all!

 

At the core of my backups I tend to use disc imaging and keep my disc images on external hard drives that remain disconnected from my computers unless the images are either being created, or restored.

 

For a free disc imaging application I tend to use Macrium Reflect Free

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

and make a point of using the wizard to make an emergency boot disc that can be used to access the external hard drive.

 

Storing images in the cloud is also a strategy that some folks like...

 

There are many other free and also paid for disc imaging applications just find the one you prefer and use it regularly.

 

If a computer becomes disabled as a result of software,operating system or virus issues then a good  up to date, verified disc image, can have it back and up and running again in less time than it takes to walk the dog!

 

Some folks keep their data drive separate from their operating system drive and like to just copy their important documents, photos, videos, music etc to removable drives (the cloud etc) and are content to reinstall Windows from their discs or executables and set up their system in their own way should it become desirable...... different ships, different long splices...

Post back if you need further information.

Regards

paws

[paws]

I think there are many ways of backing up, and if your existing methods work OK for you then continue to use them but do check that your backups are all reproducible, comprehensive and include everything that you dont want to lose.

 

I always have at least 3 copies of my backups with at least one kept offsite on removable media, and remember that a backup that you cannot rely upon is no real back up at all!

 

At the core of my backups I tend to use disc imaging and keep my disc images on external hard drives that remain disconnected from my computers unless the images are either being created, or restored.

 

For a free disc imaging application I tend to use Macrium Reflect Free

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

and make a point of using the wizard to make an emergency boot disc that can be used to access the external hard drive.

 

Storing images in the cloud is also a strategy that some folks like...

 

There are many other free and also paid for disc imaging applications just find the one you prefer and use it regularly.

 

If a computer becomes disabled as a result of software,operating system or virus issues then a good  up to date, verified disc image, can have it back and up and running again in less time than it takes to walk the dog!

 

Some folks keep their data drive separate from their operating system drive and like to just copy their important documents, photos, videos, music etc to removable drives (the cloud etc) and are content to reinstall Windows from their discs or executables and set up their system in their own way should it become desirable...... different ships, different long splices...

Post back if you need further information.

Regards

paws