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It is your responsibility to take ownership of your data somewhere and to keep it safe, using any of the options available that let you keep copies of your files outside of your computer in a secure location. There are many options for how to do this. Even The best time to get started is when your computer is running normally, it is important to back your data up because as you never know when something will go wrong with your computer. If you do not know how to back your data up, you can bring your device and an external hard drive down to the University Technology Helpdesk. We will not back up the files for you, but someone will help you through the process.
This article from Review Geek outlines the "3-2-1 Method" for backups. Basically, have your data in 3 places, at least two different types of places, with one backup offsite.
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The University Technology Helpdesk will NOT accept your computer for repair unless you have your data backed up somewhere externallysaved somewhere other than on your computer's hard drive. |
University Technology has offered a workshop on organizing your files which some of you may find useful. The slideshow presentation, with links, can be viewed here.
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Drew PC Access
If you have a Drew PC on campus, you only need to be logged in with the Windows Log on and your network drives will automatically appear.
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Faculty and Staff also have access to the O: drive, commonly referred to as the G: drive (this is your shortcut directly to your departmental folder), for their storage needs. It can be accessed like the F: drive. Your G: drive will be shared with everyone in your department. DO NOT save personal or private data there.
Google Drive
Google offers a desktop application that can be used to sync files between your Google Drive and your computer. We have more information about this at Google Drive Desktop Application.
You can also learn more about Google Drive and its storage options at the G Suite Google Workspace Learning Center for Drive.
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Flash Drives are small, portable storage devices. These can hold anywhere from 1 GB - 50 GB nowadays (some even more). While they are getting less expensive as time and technology advances, the more storage it offers, the more expensive the device typically is. These are helpful for transporting important files around with you, but are not intended for long-term storage or backup.
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You can find instructions on creating backups for the following computer operating systems at the sites below.
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We would be remiss if we didn't remind you to also back up any files - we're looking at you, photographs! - saved to your phone. Both iPhones and Androids will offer to save your content to the cloud automatically. Consider looking over what set up you are using to make sure you continue to have access to everything important to you.
But what should I buy?
If anyone ever answers this question directly, they're making money off their answer.
You will need to do some research to know what solution will be the best one for you.
- 5 Cheap Ways to Back up Your Precious Data - This article is a nice place to start. It lists some of the current options, as well as some of the things you will want to consider when choosing your plan.
- How to Back Up Your Computer - An article from Wirecutter with recommendations for specific items to use as part of your backup plan.
Reviewed June 12, 2023