The best backup method is one that meets your specific needs and budget.

Store Files Online

Free space and affordable upgrades.

Data secured in a remote location.

Person backing up laptop to external hard drive

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Access it anywhere you’ve got the option to reach the internet.

Capacity limitations for free storage.

You risk the site going down or the company closing.

A USB Type-C flash drive plugged into a laptop

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Must reach the internet to access your backed-up files.

Backup speed depends on your internet speed.

One place you’re free to store your data is on the internet.

Calledcloud storage, these services keep your data online.

Some options are free and others cost.

Some of the biggest players includeiCloud(ideal for Apple users),Google Drive,OneDrive, andDropbox.

Save It to an External Hard Drive

Quick and easy for anyone to use.

With software, you might schedule backups and never worry about them again.

Hard disk drives launch the risk of failure.

Solid-state driveshave less risk but can be expensive for large-capacity drives.

Should be stored off-site in case of fire or another catastrophe.

External hard drivesconnect to a computer over a USB connection.

Several companies make external hard drives and they come in a variety of sizes.

Simple categorization; one for videos, another for documents, etc.

Time-consuming to manage the backups.

Some computers no longer include a disc drive.

Can get pricey for large amounts of data as you continue to buy additional discs.

Discs are easier to break than hard drives.

Save Data on a Flash Drive

Very affordable.

Easy to misplace (not recommended for long-term storage of crucial information because of this risk).

Another solid way to store files is with a flash drive.

Lifewire / Raymond Prince

Save It to a NAS machine

Can back up several computers at once.

Can be set for automatic backup.

Possibility of drive failure.

To use iCloud, tapSettings> your name >iCloud>iCloud Backup.

you’ve got the option to alsoback up your iPhone using iTunes.

you’ve got the option to alsotransfer your Android files to your PC.

Automatic backups are highly recommended.

Games youve purchased can be re-downloaded at no cost.