back up

[balearic]

How do I back up my photos and music, I`m a bit naive about how to do it

[vehelpfulguy]

The best place to backup photos and music is to a CD or DVD.

So first you need a CD or DVD writer (your PC may already have one).

Then you need some software to use to backup the files, such as Nero or Roxio. If your PC came with a CD or DVD writer you probably already have this.

Then of course you need a blank CD or DVD.

When I am backing up I put all the files I want to backup in one folder and give it a unique name (normally based on the date).

So if I was backing up today (2nd April 2007) I may call the folder BU020407 (BU stands for back up).

Then you start your back program (Nero, Roxio or whatever).

Then you choose if you are backing up to a CD or DVD.

Then you choose DATA format (you are backing the files up as DATA).

Then select the folder you want to backup (BU020407).

Then press Burn and it should write the files to CD or DVD.

After the burn has finished check you can read the files, it is also good to check if you can read the files on ANOTHER PC.

When I am backing up I usually do two copies in case one of the CDs or DVDs gets lost or damaged.

[vehelpfulguy]

One extra thing on my append above.

If you have a lot of music and photos (and other things) to back up it is NOT a good idea to stick everything together on the same CD or DVD.

It is better to split the files you backup into subjects as it is easier to find them afterwards.

So put all your photos on the one CD or DVD. When that is full have a second CD or DVD just for photos. Put a label on them PHOTO1, PHOTO2, PHOTO3 etc so they are easy to find.

Same with music. Put all your music files on one CD or DVD, and gradualy get more and more so have a MUSIC1, MUSIC2, MUSIC3 etc

Also "other" persona files such as Word documents and so on, put them on a separate set of CDs or DVDs.

It may sound a lot of work, but believe me it is MUCH easier to find something later if you organize your backups.

When a family member says "where's the pictures from last Christmas" you can put your hand to them easily.

[balearic]

thanks vehelpfulguy, I`m going to give it a go.:)