World Backup Day — March 31st

Get ready - World Backup is March 31st!

What is backup?

A backup is a second copy of all your important files — for example, your family photos, home videos, documents and emails.

Instead of storing it all in one place (like your computer), you keep another copy of everything somewhere safe.

But why should I backup?

Losing your files is way more common than you’d think.

Ever lost your phone, camera or tablet? That counts. Your stuff could have been saved with a backup.

One small accident or failure could destroy all the important stuff you care about.

  • 1 http://blog.backblaze.com/2013/06/27/the-survey-says-apathy-is-winning-2/
  • 2 https://www.lookout.com/resources/reports/mobile-lost-and-found
  • 3 Safeware, 2001
  • 4 ICSA Labs/TruSecure, 2002

So how do I backup?

Most people backup their files in one of two ways: to an external drive, or somewhere on the Internet.

It’s really easy, and you only need to set it up once!

Backing up to a USB Drive

You’ll need an external hard drive for this, preferably one that holds more than your computer can.

The good news is, they’re cheap!

Windows 7
  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Type “backup” into the search box.
  3. Click on Backup and Restore.
  4. Choose “Set up Backup”.
  5. When Windows has finished preparing, select your external hard drive and click Next.
  6. Click “Let Windows Choose” and press Next.

Then click “Save settings and run backup”.

You’re all done! Windows will backup automatically from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in, or if you’re on a laptop, set a reminder to plug it in often.

Congrats on setting up your first backup!

Windows 8
  1. Open your start screen and start typing “file history settings”.
  2. In the search results panel, tap or click “File History Settings”.
  3. Tap or click “Select a drive”.
  4. Choose your external hard drive from the list.
  5. Click “Turn on”.

That was easy. Windows will backup all your files automatically from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in - or at least plug it in often.

Congratulations on setting up your first backup!

Mac

First, plug in your USB hard drive. Then, follow the instructions below to start automatically backing up your Mac!

  1. Open the  menu (in the top left of your screen) and choose System Preferences.
  2. Click on “Time Machine”.
  3. Click “Select Disk”.
  4. Choose your USB hard drive from the list and select “Use Disk”.

You’re done! Your Mac will back itself up automatically from now on. If you’re using a MacBook, make sure to plug in your hard drive regularly so it can save your files!

Linux

Every Linux distribution offers various tools to backup your data. We’ve posted the instructions for Ubuntu below.

  1. Open the HUD (click the Ubuntu button in the Dash) and type “Backup”.
  2. Click on the search result “Backup”.
  3. Click on “Just show my backup settings”.
  4. Activate “Automatic backups”.
  5. Choose the location to store your backup on the tab “Storage” (your external drive).
  6. Choose how often to backup on the tab “Schedule”. The more often, the
    better!
  7. Click on “Back Up Now” on the tab “Overview” to start backing up.

That was easy. Ubuntu will backup all your files automatically from
now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in - or at least
plug it in often.

Congratulations on setting up your first backup!

Backing up Online

A simple way to start saving your files to the internet is by using OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, or even Amazon Cloud Drive to backup the most important things you’re working on right now.

These “online drives” usually don’t have too much space, and only backup one folder on your computer. However, this is great for students and businesspeople who need to keep their most important documents safe.

Backing up your whole computer

If you’d rather back up absolutely EVERYTHING (good on you!) - just search for “online backup reviews” on your favorite search engine. It can help you choose the service that’s right for you.

The World Backup Day Pledge

“I solemnly swear to backup my important documents and precious memories on March 31st.”

I will also tell my friends and family about World Backup Day - friends don't let friends go without a backup.

Take the pledge on

people have already taken the pledge (and counting!)