Backup

Introduction

So you bought a brand new laptop and you can't wait to try it out.  Congrats!  However, the first important step to securing your laptop is to make a backup CD.  Usually, computers do not come with a CD of the operating system for you to reinstall in case of a major crash. That was the old way.  Nowadays, many manufacturers provide a backup program that allows you to make a backup of your entire system.  This means that in the event that your system crashes, you can use your CD to restore your computer to its original state. Yes, the factory state - your original operating system, and all application software that came with it. Usually, you will get a message periodically telling you to make a backup.  Do not ignore it, for if your computer fails sometime in the future, you will regret that you did not make backup CDs.


Making a Back up

Normally, you can access this program by clicking start, then all programs and search through the list for the program that deals with backup or maintenance.  Different systems may call them by different names.  Laptops require that you use AC power to create backup CDs so you must have access to such power and of course your CDs.  I recommend that you use DVDs which have a much greater capacity than CDs.  Usually two or three DVDs for the most are required and don't forget to number them properly so that you will know the order to use them when restoring the computer.  And always remember, "First Things First".

 What about backing up desktop PCs?  I will chat about that in my next post.