* FAXES - do you use online faxing like I do? Where every incoming fax comes into my inbox as an email? From now on, whenever one arrives, put it into a folder called FAXES or save with your client data. Faxes are also a record of what's transpired - another form of database. Plus if you use this kind of fax service, you're saving trees. :o>

* INSURANCE. Keep quotes etc on your computer? You'll be needing these.

* DATABASES - all of them. A must. Trust me, you'll kick yourself if you need one of these you didn't bother backing up.

* COMPUTER DESKTOP. OK - what's still sitting on your desktop which hasn't be put away or filed yet? Probably a bunch o'stuff - clear this up before you backup, make your job that little bit easier.

* EXCEPTION to SOFTWARE RULE above - if you've bought any software online, or downloaded any software or programs of any kind for which you did not receive a cd, then back it up. If you've still got Installer file, save that - it'll save time.

* BROWSER Settings - go through your browser Preferences screens, take snapshots (like printscreen) of those settings - it'll save you a TON of time if you have to set up your email and ISP settings at a later date.

* PDFs : have you downloaded any pdfs or purchased any ebooks? Are they all in same download folder, or in a PDF or eBook folder? You'll want to save these.

************ YIKES! ************

Oh boy - I just looked at my hard drive - 222 folders of stuff - I need to do some serious sorting and computer *housekeeping* before I do a backup, otherwise it'll take forever to sift through all that stuff! So here's list of things to do:

* tip : do it in bite-sized pieces, baby steps, little chunks each day

* make a list of things you want to backup - think about your client info etc

* do your computer housekeeping, put things away in folders, then put those folders in main folders to tidy up your own special filing system - do this on one day so it's not too overwhelming

* on next day, make sure you have spare cds - you might need a few, depending on how much filing needs to be done; go buy cds if you need to. Consider buying Read Write cds, rather than regular cds - if you want to be able to add info to cds later.

* if you've got an internal cd burner in your computer, you're a lucky dog - if you've got an external one, plug it in and make sure it works

* when you're ready, start software you need to backup (usually Toast or something similar)

* be prepared for this to take at least an hour, maybe more if you've got a ton of stuff, but *don't * put it off! An hour spent now could save you *weeks* of worry and work in future!

* when you've done first *big* backup, pat yourself on back, you've accomplished a very important business task!!!

While you're feeling smug and proud of yourself, think about when you should do your next backup. How much work would you be ok about losing? One day's worth? One week's worth? How about a month of work? Whichever is one you choose, make *that* amount of time before you do your first *mini* backup. Don't be afraid to set other backup procedures for times which suit you, your projects, your clients.

The main question you need to ask yourself is, .......................................................................... "How much work would it be OK to *lose* without it affecting me or my business?" ..........................................................................

::::: DON'T FORGET :::::

Label your cds. How are you going to file them? In a cd box? Will they be in a hard plastic shell or sleeve? Where would it make sense to *see* client name on cover, when it's in box? How easily would you be able to find a cd in that box? You can write on cds with thick permanent markers, or if you're really keen, you can print onto cd labels (available from many stationery companies).

Keep 2 backup copies.

If you don't work at home, it might be worthwhile keeping a backup copy of backup - one at work, one at home. Just in case.

Now that I've scared myself silly, I'm off to dust cd burner and make a latte - don't expect me to reply to your emails over next few hours, I'm doing a backup!

You may think you’d like to back up everything you have in your computer. However, there is no need to back up software and applications since these can be reinstalled with original discs. Most Windows programs now have a default for storing data within your user profile.

Backup programs:

There are a number of programs that perform data backup for you, some of which are described here. Ghost 9.0 creates full drive images, IBackup copies files to remote databases, and Dantz’s Retrospect Professional 6.5 is a traditional backup tool. There is also free software available for data backup. For instance, Backup4 protects your data and features an easy backup wizard that allows you to schedule backups whenever you like. Disk Tools Image Maker is an easy-to-use disk imaging tool which allows you to create exact images of your entire drive. It works directly from within Windows so there is no need to boot from a floppy. Handy Backup is another software which makes an automatic backup of critical data to any type of storage medium.

Backup Tips:

Here are a few tips to keep in mind regarding data backup:

Don’t procrastinate. Most people decide to back up their data only after they’ve experienced a loss!

Try to find a backup software that can hold twice as much as your hard disk so that you’re able to schedule backups when you’re not there.

Back up only what is necessary. However, if you’re not sure, back it up ... better safe than sorry!