What is an example of a safe system for backing up files?

a. Saving all files to a drive other than C:.

b. Saving files only to USB sticks.

c. Periodically copying data to a different machine.

d. Storing data entirely online in the cloud.

1 answer

A safe system for backing up files would ideally incorporate multiple strategies to ensure data security and redundancy. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

a. Saving all files to a drive other than C: - This is a step in the right direction, as it protects against data loss if the primary drive fails, but it does not provide redundancy.

b. Saving files only to USB sticks: - This is not considered safe since USB sticks can be easily lost, damaged, or corrupted, and relying solely on them can lead to data loss.

c. Periodically copying data to a different machine: - This option offers a good balance of safety and redundancy, as it ensures that there is a backup available on a separate device, which can protect against hardware failure.

d. Storing data entirely online in the cloud: - This is a safe method since it protects against local hardware failures and offers redundancy. However, it may not be sufficient on its own, especially if the cloud provider has issues or if someone without authorization accesses the files.

The best practice would combine elements from options c and d, such as periodically copying data to a different machine (c) while also having backups stored online in the cloud (d).

Therefore, c (Periodically copying data to a different machine) is a solid example of a safe backup system, though it should ideally be part of a more comprehensive backup strategy that includes cloud storage as well.