Copy/paste data from the PC or laptop to the external hard drive and the backup is done, right? For now, the data is indeed backed up. But a good backup really looks different.
Because what do you do when new data is added? Then you would always have to remember to back up new files and folders. On top of that, changes to files that have already been backed up should also be synchronized to the hard drive – in doing so, it is important to ensure that different versions are not mixed up. Even with ambitious resolutions, no one does that from day 3 at the latest. This begs the question…
• How do you back up your photos from your cell phone?
• How do you back up system settings?
• What do you do if your external hard drive breaks down?
A good backup should therefore:
• automatically and done with little maintenance
• flexible In addition to data on the PC, also back up data and system settings from other existing devices, such as laptops, Macs, mobile phones or servers,
• simply be in handling and administration and
• one fast and reliable Enable disaster recovery.
The 3-2-1 backup rule is a good starting point to ensure that your data is really effectively secured against all eventualities. According to this rule you should:
• create at least 3 backup copies of your data,
• whereby at least 2 different data carriers are used
• and one (1) of them is at a different location.
But from the beginning.
Backup vs Sync
Before choosing the right backup method, it is important to understand the difference between backup and synchronization.
Anyone who automatically synchronizes their data to the cloud (e.g. with the popular Dropbox app) has no backup. Because if you accidentally delete data on your own PC, it will also be deleted in the cloud during synchronization. Encryption Trojans or ransomware are also synchronized directly. Only a backup protects against data loss.
In general, there are 4 differences between backup and synchronization:
1. Operation direction
A backup always runs in one direction (e.g. PC to cloud). A synchronization, on the other hand, runs in both directions, i.e. if you change your data in the cloud, it also changes automatically on the data source, e.g. B. the PC or laptop.
2nd period
Files are synchronized continuously and in real time. So the data stays in sync. A backup, on the other hand, takes place at a certain point in time, eg every evening at 7 p.m.
3. File format
When synchronizing, the file format in the backup destination always matches the format of the data source. So if you read ten PNG files, there are also ten PNG files on the target device. This means you use up the same storage space on both devices. A backup, on the other hand, often takes place in compressed “containers”. These must then first be unpacked for further processing. This in turn is a bit more complex to restore, but it saves you a lot of storage space on your backup device.
4. Purpose
Synchronizing data is primarily for productivity. In this way, several people can access and edit data at the same time. A backup, on the other hand, is used for security. By copying data to an independent, additional storage location, data is stored externally and can be restored if the worst comes to the worst.
What backup options do you have?
In general, you have the option of storing your data:
1. on the mentioned external HDD,
2. to the cloud
3. or back up to your own NAS.
The external HDD is what seems easiest and fastest for most users. Purchased once and copied data manually. However, the disadvantages are quickly apparent and have already been mentioned above.
The second option is this Back up to the cloud. The choice of providers here is large, whether IDrive, Backblaze, Acronis or C2. A big advantage of cloud backup is that your own data is protected from damage on site, e.g. B. a water damage or fire are secured. For the most part, the backup is quick and the initial investment is low. However, you have to keep in mind that you give up data sovereignty, monthly running costs (which quickly add up after two or three years) and accessing or restoring often costs extra.
You bypass these disadvantages with the Backup with NAS. With a Synology NAS and the integrated backup software Active Backup for Business (ABB), you get everything you need to back up all your PCs, laptops, Macs and, if necessary, servers. The data stays safe in your home or office. There are no ongoing license costs. An offsite backup can also be easily created with the Synology App Hyper Backup.
Unlike a cloud backup, purchasing a NAS involves a certain initial investment. Synology NAS Plus series and above support ABB. The smallest Plus model is the DS220+, which costs around €330. There are also hard drives, with prices varying greatly depending on the manufacturer and storage capacity. With multiple PCs or laptops and thanks to the many additional free possibilities that a Synology NAS offers, e.g. B. as a private cloud, online photo album or media server, this investment pays off quickly.
Where do you start now?
Do you want to back up your data? That’s a really good start!
A backup on the external HDD is not recommended. So stay cloud or NAS.
A cloud backup is suitable for private users who want to quickly back up their data, but also their entire PC/Mac without much effort or initial investment. With Synology C2 Backup e.g. B. This is also done quickly and easily: Create a Synology account and subscribe to C2 Backup for private users for around €3.47 for 500 GB or €9.92 for 2 TB per month in an annual subscription and start the backup.
This is done with just a few clicks. All new or changed data is then automatically backed up. In contrast to many other cloud backup providers, you do not pay extra for data recovery with C2 Backup. You can also back up multiple PCs/Macs with C2 Backup at no additional cost. The number of devices is insignificant and only the space consumed counts. It is therefore also suitable for a whole family, flat shares or couples. All information about Synology C2 Backup can be found here.
If you want to back up a lot of data automatically at home and not in the cloud in order to retain full control and not pay any monthly license costs, a NAS is the best choice. Another advantage here: You can then turn your Synology NAS into your private cloud, use it as a media server and create online photo albums to securely share photos with others – at no extra cost. For your smart home video surveillance, 2 camera licenses are always included when you buy a Synology NAS.
The ABB backup software for backing up your computer is supported by all Synology NAS from the Plus series. You can find a list of the models here.
For all users who want cheaper NAS: Backup with Synology Drive Backup. Every NAS supports this feature and it enables file-based backup. All Details about backup with Synology can be found here and other helpful blog posts about that You can find the topic here.
You can read more details about professional backup with Synology in the second post next week.
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