YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU GOT UNTIL IT'S GONE!

These days we put everything on our digital devices. and I mean everything! This is great, its a lot simpler to have all your documents in one place. It saves time and space. Hell if you know what you are doing it is even easier to find what you are looking for! 

But This is contingent on the device working

Look there is a reason why we have a computer shop out in the middle of Lithgow. The reason for this is that there are enough repairs to keep the lights on for another week. There always seems to be something wrong with a clients digital device! While we can repair a lot of devices now and then we get something that is beyond repair. and that sucks for everyone! 

When a device is beyond repair we are sometimes unable to extract the important data and data recovery services (Through a third party not us .... we don't see a penny) starts around $600 for the simplest of repairs and it skyrockets from there! 

So how do you prevent data loss 

You backup! 

I know I know there are a few of you who are reading this who are having a tiny panic attack because you are afraid that you are going to have to learn something new. To be honest if this is the only thing you learn about computers this year it would be worth it. 

There are different ways to back up your computer or phone

• Dragging files to a USB or external hard drive 
• Using a cloud based service like Google Drive, iCloud or One Drive
• Using an automated back up system such as TimeMachine

These are all valid ways to back up your computer or phone! The important part is that you need to do it often. 

 When should you backup! 

The real answer is often and anytime you have a chance to do so. But for many people they do not think about it too much. Here are some tips. 

• Set a reminder to back up your device at least once a week 
• Use an automated system such as TimeMAchine 
• Anytime you think you have a new important document 
• Anytime the computer is working the way it should..... 

Backup myths 

There are a lot of people who have these dangerous myths about backing up that almost always result in data loss. 

• Sim Cards holding data : Sorry SIM cards on your phone do not have any photos, documents or texts saved on them. They are only designed to hold about 25 contacts. We have at least one person a week who is in tears because they think sim cards would save 1000 baby photos! 
• Backup when your computer is having issues : While this is a good idea, many times it is too late! You should backup way before your computer is having any kind of issues. 
• You don't have time for backups: I have seen this destroy businesses!  I have also seen backups save a company when all their computers were stolen. 

So backup your computer today!