![]() You may mistakenly delete files, or a virus may corrupt or encrypt them. File system corruption can damage directory structures and cause entire folders to disappear. Software problems can also damage your files. Hardware malfunctions are not the only reason to maintain backups. An electrical short or physical damage (especially when it comes to laptops and mobile devices) can cause data to become unrecoverable, so it's wise to maintain backups of important files on multiple devices. However, like all electronic devices, they are not immune to problems. Most computer components, like hard drives and solid-state drives, can run for years without crashing. ![]() Better yet, you could save the backups to a USB flash drive, which would also protect the files if the hard drive failed, or even save a copy to a cloud storage site in case an accident causes damage to both the computer and flash drive. For example, you may save several copies of a research paper on your computer as backup files in case you decide to use a previous revision. Data Storage and Backup.Backup is the most important computer term you should know.Ī backup is a copy of one or more files created as an alternate in case the original data is lost or becomes unusable. University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Data Services.Managing and Sharing Data: Best Practice for Researchers. DataONE Data Management Skillbuilding Hub.DOI Office of the Chief Information Officer - Information Assurance - IT Security Policy and Planning.UK Data Archive - Managing and Sharing Data: Best Practices for Researchers.DataONE Skillbuilding Hub - see "Lesson 6: Data Protection and Backups".The USGS Manual Chapter 440.4 policy for securing and protecting National Security Information when processed, stored, or transmitted in computer and networking systems (collectively referred to as an automated information system (AIS)). *Disclaimer: Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. The first time you connect it to your Mac, Leopard displays a dialog asking if you'd like to use it as your backup location." To use Time Machine, simply connect an external hard drive to your computer. If you're using the Professional or Ultimate editions of Windows 7, you'll also have the option of backing up your files to a network."ĭescription: "Time Machine is the backup application that's part of Mac OS X Leopard. You can back up to another drive or a DVD. Windows can back up files on whatever schedule you choose. Let Windows choose what to back up, or pick individual folders, libraries, and drives yourself. Make sure data are physically protected in a locked drawer or on a secure network.ĭescription: "Backup and Restore - improved for Windows 7 - creates safety copies of your most important personal files, so you're always prepared for the worst.Make sure your computer has anti-virus and firewall software that updates regularly.When transferring sensitive data to another party, encrypt the data.Share metadata but keep confidential or sensitive information unavailable.This will depend upon requirements and needs.Determine how long to keep your backup.To learn how to perform a checksum, visit Checksum Exercise - Research Data Management Team - UK Data Archive.Perform a checksum, which is a mathematical calculation that can be compared between the backup file and the original file, to verify that they are identical.Make sure the file dates and file sizes are identical to the original copies.After you back up your data, check the files to make sure the data have been copied and there are no errors in opening the files.Place backups in a location that is different from the original data source to avoid a double loss.Do not back up on CD and DVD disks as they can easily break or deteriorate.Depending on your branch's policy, you may back up data in a designated repository, on an external disk, or a network drive.Back up the metadata along with the data. ![]() You can back up single files manually, but it is better to automate the system so that no files are missed and to ensure the backup is performed on a regular schedule.Perform backups of digital data but also consider digitizing physical documents.Describe policies for moving the data or how the format may change.Define how often backups must be done.Specify where the backup data are to be located.Clarify who is responsible for performing backups.If there is no established policy, create a backup policy.Backups may or may not be part of the data management plan for the group.Check with your Science Center or Program IT staff about your backup policies and procedures, as they can vary around the Survey.Understand the existing backup policies within your office or Branch. ![]()
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