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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 you may find useful. The slideshow presentation, with links, can be viewed here.
Your F: Drive
Your F: Drive is a network drive that Drew has provided for you to use as storage space for academic documents and data. You start out with 100 MB. More space can be added by request, but students can only have a maximum of 200 MB of space; staff and faculty can have up to 1000 MB.
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.
- You simply have to open Computer or This PC and you will see your F: drive there.
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You may also access your other network drives using the following instructions here.
Off Campus and Non-Drew Device Access
The F: Drive is accessible off campus and from non-Drew computers/devices as well. Using a web browser, go the https://myfiles.drew.edu/, log in with your Drew username and password, and you will see all of your network drives. You will use your Drew uLogin information hereLearn more at MyFiles.
Departmental Drives (Fac/Staff Only)
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 by following this link: https://support.google.com/drive/?hl=enat the Google Workspace Learning Center for Drive.
Physical Drives
Flash Drives
Flash Drives are small, portable storage devices. These can hold anywhere from 1 GB - 50 GB nowadays. Some (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.
External Hard Drives
External Hard Drives are exactly what they sound like. They are large storage devices, many having 1 TB or more for storage. These are the best options for backing up your computer's files since it they typically has have the most storage space. Some come with programs installed to help you back up your files up with, but most are just plug-in then drag and drop.
To back up your files in Windows:
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Backup and Restore
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or Time Machine
You can find instructions on creating backups for the following computer operating systems at the sites below.
Mobile Devices
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
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Do one of the following:
If you've never used Windows Backup before, click Set up backup, and then follow the steps in the wizard.
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.If you've created a backup before, you can wait for your regularly scheduled backup to occur, or you can manually create a new backup by clicking Back up now.
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
If you have a Mac computer, you can set up Time Machine with an external hard drive to back up your entire computer.