Choosing Which Files to Back Up

By Sarah S Richardson

Once you've made the decision to use online backup for your computer, the next step is to choose which files to back up. The obvious answer of "everything" isn't actually the best answer. There's a limit to how many files you can realistically store online.

Many of the files on your computer do not need to be backed up. Backing up certain files is pointless because backups of those files do nothing to protect your digital assets. In short, any file that you didn't create yourself is not a good candidate for backing up.

Do Not Back Up Installation Files

It is pointless to back up files that are created when you install software on your computer. These files are the easiest to recover if anything happens to your computer. All you have to do is find the installation CD or visit the software website to get those files again.

Additionally, software installer programs work in a specific manner. You cannot just back up the entire folder of a program in your Windows directory and then recover that folder at a later date. If you do feel the need to back up software, your best bet is to back up the original installer program.

Do Not Back Up Operating System Files

Don't worry about backing up the files that come preinstalled on your computer. You can recover those file at a later date by re-installing your operating system. All you need is a set of recovery disks and you're good to go.

Again, simply backing up your file tree is not a good way to back up your operating system. Those files have to be installed in a specific manner to create a functional operating system. Just get a set of backup discs or re-download the OS again at a later date if you ever need it in the future.

Back Up User Created Files

Files that you create from scratch should be backed up. These files include Microsoft Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, tax documents, scanned photos, other work documents and anything else that you have created from scratch.

These files are functional on their own and they cannot be downloaded again if they are ever lost. Back up documents that you created from scratch. This also includes photos that you have either taken yourself, paid for on a stock photo site or created from scratch.

Back Up Songs and Videos

Songs and videos that you have either downloaded or created yourself are also good candidates for backing up. Music collections are particularly valuable with songs going for upwards of $1 a pop. These files are valuable and not easily replaced. Go ahead and add them to your backup set.

The same thing also goes for videos and movies that you have downloaded. Whether you paid for these files or not, they can be difficult and expensive to replace. Add them to your backup set so that you can access them again later if anything happens to your computer.

As an added benefit, many online storage sites will let you stream songs and videos to any internet-connected device. For example, Livedrive can be used on your phone to stream your entire music collection on the go.

Sarah Richardson is a blogger and contributor to OnlineFileStorage.com. She writes about tech news, computer security and online storage.

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