Best Computer Backup Systems

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide

When choosing a computer backup system, consider storage capacity, speed, compatibility, and additional features to suit your needs. Here's a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:


1. Storage Options

  • Capacity:
  • Opt for at least the size of your computer’s internal hard drive.
  • Popular choices:

    • 500GB to 750GB for most users.
    • 2TB to 4TB for larger data needs like videos or high-res photos.
  • Portability:

  • If mobility is key, choose compact external drives or USB flash drives.

2. Backup Speed

  • Online Services:
  • Initial backups may take 2+ days, faster for subsequent updates.
  • Faster Alternatives:
  • External drives or additional internal drives (require installation skills).
  • Network Drives (wired Ethernet) offer speeds 5–50x faster than wireless connections.

3. Multiple Computers

  • Network Drives:
  • Perfect for backing up multiple devices on a home network.
  • Requires intermediate tech knowledge.

4. User-Friendly Solutions

  • For Beginners:
  • External drives with plug-and-play setups or one-button backups.
  • Advanced Users:
  • Drives that require formatting or software installations but offer higher customization.

5. Supplementary Software

  • Built-In Options:
  • MacOS Time Machine: Easy automatic backups with file version history.
  • Windows Backup & File History (Windows 7-11): Basic backup tools included.

  • Third-Party Software:

  • Cost: $20–$60 for more flexibility and features.

6. Backup Redundancy

  • Onsite + Offsite Backups:
  • Protect against theft, fire, or other disasters with external drives and cloud storage.

7. Key Features to Consider

  • Ease of Use:
  • Drives that don’t require software installation are the simplest to use.
  • Drive Imaging:
  • Saves an exact copy of your hard drive, including applications and OS.
  • Media Streaming:
  • Look for UPnP or DLNA compatibility for sharing media files with devices like TVs or gaming systems.
  • Remote Access:
  • Access files from anywhere via the internet (requires an app).
  • Continuous Backup:
  • Automatic real-time backups ensure no file is missed.

8. Connection Types

  • USB (2.0, 3.0): Universal but slower; USB 3.0 is much faster.
  • Ethernet: Best for networked drives; connect to your router for faster speeds.
  • Firewire (400/800): Faster than USB, more common on Macs.
  • Thunderbolt: Ultra-fast, ideal for Macs and newer PCs.
  • eSATA: Rare but fast for specific external drives.

9. Advanced Features

  • Disaster Recovery:
  • Includes tools like boot disks for restoring full systems after drive failure.
  • Open/Locked File Support:
  • Creates "shadow copies" of files in use without requiring them to close.

Summing it up

Choose a backup system that matches your technical expertise and data needs. For everyday users, an external drive with built-in software is simple and effective. For higher security or network needs, consider network drives or supplementary cloud storage.


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