Computer Sins, Part 2

Continued from last week, here’s #3.

3. Not making a regular backup of your data files. This is actually the point that provoked these posts. This isn’t important in the same way that the previous two points were important, but it is important in a different way, and it must not be ignored. The reason why it is a sin: you risk losing your data if it is not backed up. But wait (again), you say: why is it anyone else’s business? Two reasons. 1) Is it really true that the data on your computer affects only you? Is it possible that you have a file that you’re working on for someone else (employer, relative, friend)? If your hard disk crashes, you have lost something that doesn’t belong to you. (That’s kinda like stealing.) Sometimes, of course, that can’t be helped. But if it’s because you didn’t put a backup plan into place, then it’s probably your fault. 2) Let’s pretend that there is absolutely nothing on your computer that could possibly affect anyone else. Still, I contend, you must have a backup system because your data is not yours. I am assuming here that you are a believer. And just as your life is not your own, your data is not your own. In other words, you are a steward. And if those are class notes, or journal entries, or financial records, or Sunday School lessons, or love letters, or fun photographs, those things were created by the use of your time. And presumably at least some of those things were done in the will of God. And for you to lose those things is poor stewardship of the time and resources that God has given you. Need a verse? See Luke 19 for the parable of the ten minas.

So, how do you do it? Again, not hard. You need these things:

1. A place to back things up to: a blank CD, a blank DVD, or an external hard disk. What is not acceptable? Another place on your hard disk or computer. If your computer is stolen or dropped, everything is gone. Your backup must be in a separate location as your computer. Personally I use and recommend an external hard disk. They are not expensive. Here’s a 300GB (refurb) at TigerDirect for $130. And more here.

2. A program to backup your data. There are lots of these. I use and recommend Replicator, which is easy and free. (I also like and use xxcopy, but that’s probably too geeky for most of my readers; it’s also not free.) This goes fast because it simply makes a perfect duplicate of your folders onto another disk. It won’t work if you choose to backup on CDs or DVDs. I don’t do this, so I can’t recommend a good program. But if you keep your data files in one (or a few) locations, you can drag and drop them into your burning program.

3. Knowledge of where your data files are. ALL OF THEM. Windows users usually have a folder with their stuff in that Microsoft has called “My Documents.” But all of your stuff may not be there. It doesn’t take long – just look through your hard disk using Windows Explorer (sorry all of you Mac users, I’m not giving specifics for you, but as you’ll just as soon tell me, it’s so much easier on the Mac, so you don’t need instructions!), and write down every folder with your stuff – documents, photographs, recordings, etc. Then make sure that those folders are included in the program that backs up your stuff.

4. Set up a schedule. If you plan to do it manually, you may forget, so if there’s a way to schedule it to run at midnight when you’re sleeping, do it. Backup programs and external hard disks are WORTHLESS if they are not used regularly. How often is it necessary, I’ve been asked? If you’re willing to lose a month’s worth of work, then only do it once a month. I think once a day or 3x/week is much better.

Some objections, answered:

1. I don’t have time to set up a backup program. My response: do you have time to lose a month’s or a year’s worth of work?

2. I can’t afford to buy an external hard disk. My response: how much is your time worth? If you lose 80 hours of work, that’s $2/hour. The time of most people I know is worth more than that. I think even minimum wage is more than that.

3. I don’t know how to do it. Your instructions are too advanced. My response: find a friend who can help you. If you go to a friend and they can’t help you, they’re probably not doing it themselves. So both of you go to another friend for help. If the third friend can’t help, well, just keep going.

4. I really don’t give a rip. My response: why do you have a computer? and why have you bothered to read this far?

5. The only thing on my computer are computer games. My response: you’ve got me. Don’t bother backing up. Instead, do this: press the off button and do this: 1) Read your Bible; 2) Volunteer at a homeless shelter; 3) Write your Mom a letter; 4) Go play basketball with the neighborhood kids; 5) Read a worthwhile book; 6) Run two miles; 7) Spend time doing nothing but talking to God.

I know few people who don’t think regular backups are necessary.   I know many people who do not do it.