8 Ways to Save Today's Computer Data from Tomorrow's Computer Crash

Here are five ways the average computer user can save today's computer data to lessen the blow of tomorrow's computer crash.

Bad things, like computer crashes caused by viruses or faulty hardware do happen to smart people. In a span of a week, three people known to me had this happen. None of them had backed up their data.

These same smart people will then fork over their money to a supposed data recovery expert to recover their priceless information. It does not always work 100%. Data will be lost. Some files will not be recovered.

They all had "expert" and paid help to recover their data. None of them got their computer back with all of their data. Each of these people used a different data recovery service, including one operated by a major computer store chain, and a computer manufacturer.

Had these smart people backed up their data in some way, they would not been less likely to lose their important personal and work files on their home computer or laptop.

There are five simple ways for any computer user to back up their data, in case their computer crashes.

1. Saving Computer Data Computer Crashes: Invest in an External Back Up Drive Before the Crash

Don't wait until after the big computer crash to purchase an external hard drive. Buy one before it happens. Practice preventive computer data maintenance, not reactionary. External back up drives can cost $50 and up. Some top choicesinclude the 160GB Seagate ST9160821U2-RK, Maxtor One Touch III Turbo, LaCie Rugged All-Terrain Hard Drive USB 2.0, and the ASBplus Notebook Backup System (Consumer Search).

2. Saving Computer Data Computer Crashes: Engage in Cloning: Disk Cloning

Purchase disk cloning software or shareware. Disk cloning software will back up everything on the computer's hard drive, not just data files. Disk cloning software actually makes a complete copy, or clone of your disk, including the data, the programs, and your current operating system and settings.

Some disk cloning software to purchase: Norton Ghost, DriveImage, or Carbon Copy Cloner for Mac (freeware).

3. Saving Computer Data Computer Crashes: Store Photos Online