In general, research data should be stored on your lab's ResearchDrive space (See ResearchDrive/Shared Drive - File Storage Options for Biochemistry Department Users). This is the most secure, reliable, and best backed up storage available.

Backing up your personal computer and devices is STRONGLY recommended and cheap compared to losing your data!  It also isn't particularly difficult in most cases. Biochemistry IT can assist you with configuring a backup solution that meets your needs, but the following are some simple, general guidelines that will cover most user's needs.

You will need to make sure you backup often.  Your backups are only useful if they have the files you need.

MacOS

Biochemistry IT recommends using Time Machine, which is built into macOS, to backup your Mac.  This simple solution ensures all your data is backed up and only requires the purchase of an external hard drive.  Time Machine checks for any files changed every hour (as long as you are connected to your backup drive).  It also will keep previous versions of files until the backup drive is full.  This allows you to access previous versions of a file if needed.

In general, we suggest getting an external drive that has twice as much space available as the computer you want to backup.  Large capacity hard drives are often available for around $100.  For those looking for even more convenience and willing to spend a little more money, a number of NAS solutions allow you to backup over your home wireless network.

For documentation on setting up and using Time Machine please visit Apple's Time Machine Support Page.

Windows

Biochemistry IT recommends using Windows Backup File History, which is built into Windows, to backup your computer. This simple solution ensures all your data is backed up and only requires the purchase of an external hard drive. File History will keep previous versions of files until the backup drive is full.  This allows you to access previous versions of a file if needed.

In general, we suggest getting an external drive that has twice as much space available as the computer you want to backup.  Large capacity hard drives are often available for around $100.  For those looking for even more convenience and willing to spend a little more money, a number of NAS solutions allow you to backup over your home wireless network.

For documenation on setting up and using Windows File History please visit Backup and Restore in Windows.