Need to do a backup or sync your files automatically

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Recently I have helped someone to setup their PC and was asked see if they can better safeguard their important data in case their hard disk crashed or data corrupted. Things that you never expected may happen...

I always believe that doing routine backup is a very important step to secure your data, although a hassle at times, but it can save you hours or even months of re-doing the lost data. In the worst case, the data can never be recovered, such as your photos taken during your recent trip.

Doing backup is like buying an assurance plan, if you do not need to use it, then call it a blessing. :) There are plans that cost more and provide a comprehensive protection, such as getting specialised backup devices, remote backup to website, etc. or cheaper ones... and ever FREE ones. FREE doesn't mean it's no good, but it can only protect up to certain level.

OK, to cut it short. FREE ones are usually software that can be download legally for personal usage. They usually will just helps you automate the task of copying a certain pre-set files or folder to another drive, usually the network drive or a USB drive for better protection. It will protect you in case the PC hard drive crashed. However, if your PC is infected by viruses, then it may infect the copied data as well depending on the type of viruses.

One of the software I am using is Allway Sync ( http://allwaysync.com/) - happen to be the top of the list when I do a Google search. It is quite powerful and easy to use. It can do 1-way copy or 2-way sync (copy or sync only updates rather then all the files - this can save you time if the files are huge) and easily auto-schedule when you want to do the sync. There is also one option for it to do auto file versioning if the file is to be over-written in the sync process, ie create different verions of a same file. There are a lot of options to play with, so that it suits your need.

Of course, there are plenty of other FREE backup software available. So just pick and choose which one suit you most and use it on a regular basis for better file protection. ALWAYS FEEL HAPPY EVERYTIME YOU ARE DOING THE BACKUP AS YOU ARE REALLY LUCKY SINCE YOU HAVE YET NEED TO USE THEM. :)