Backup your Data
What is a file backup?
A backup or data backup is a copy of computer data, taken and stored elsewhere so that it may be used to restore the original after a data loss event.
Why file backups are important:
Making backups of collected data is critically important in data management. Backups protect against human errors, hardware failures, virus attacks, power failure, and natural disasters. Backups can help save time and prevent users from losing data if these failures occur
Storage location options:
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Online (Cloud Based)
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Google Drive
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One Drive
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Network Shared Drive
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Offline
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USB Thumb Drive
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External Hard Drive
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Desktop
IT Recommendations:
The MMU IT department recommends you save your information in multiple locations, one on your physical device and one in a cloud storage system. IT also recommends backing up your data quarterly or semesterly. If you need assistance or recommendations on how to back up your data, please contact the IT helpdesk for assistance.
Note: Do not save personal files and documents to your MMU device as it is campus property.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that enables users to store and access files online. The service syncs stored documents, photos and more across all the user's devices, including mobile devices, tablets and PCs. User’s Mount Marty email accounts are Google based accounts that have direct access to Google based products. Users will have up to 15GB of free storage within Google Drive, which is Google's online storage platform. Files can be dragged and dropped, uploaded, or created within Google Drive.
One Drive
OneDrive for home is online personal storage that you get when you set up a Microsoft account to use services such as Outlook.com or Xbox. Use OneDrive to save documents, photos, and other files in the cloud, share them with friends, and even collaborate on content. Users will have 5GB of cloud storage.
Network Shared Drive
A shared drive is a network drive that enables users to search, access, and share files between computers and other devices. An individual or a team can own and manage online shared drives. Each department will manage their content and corresponding access is required.
Note: Network shared drives are only available on campus on the Mount Marty Network.
USB Thumb Drive
A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB interface. It is typically removable, rewritable and much smaller than external hard drives. USB flash drives come in multiple sizes such as 32GB/64GB/124GB, with a minimum recommended size of 8GB.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a piece of equipment that can be connected to your computer to increase its storage space. Unlike the hard drive that's installed in your computer, an external hard drive is portable and can also be used to store files from multiple devices. Typically these devices can store more data and are used as a more long term solution.
Desktop
On your MMU provided device, you are able to save items directly to your computer's desktop if desired. This allows for quick, user friendly access. Things to consider may be increased desktop clutter and slowed PC response time. MMU provided devices are limited on storage capacity and this could have an affect on computing speed. If anything were to happen to the device, it would make recovery of the content much harder.