Zippity Do Dah
One of the
more popular methods for backing up data is an Iomega Zip drive.
They are easy to install, and simple to use. The zip disks hold up
to 250 MB so all of my digital photos and big documents can fit.
Backing up to a Zip drive is like copying to a floppy-just drag and
drop.
Setting up the Hardware
Mama’s going to install an external Zip drive for this machine. The
external zip drive plugs into the parallel port on the back of the
computer. The parallel port is also called the printer port. A cable
connects the Zip drive to the back of the computer. In Windows XP,
the operating system automatically detects the new hardware and
says, “New Hardware Found!”
Test Drive a Tape Backup System
An alternative to manually dragging and dropping the data is a tape
backup system. Tape backup systems have two components—the tape
drive and the backup software. Tape drives can hold gigabytes of
data. The real beauty of a tape back up system is the “set it and
forget it” feature. Most backup programs present an Explorer Window
where you can check off the folders that you want to copy nightly.
There are several methods for doing backups to insure the safety of
your day. Many companies have 6 tapes: one for Monday, one for
Tuesday, etc. Then on Friday they backup again and store the tape
off site.
