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• Backing up files onto an external hard drive is fairly easy, in most cases it can simply be plugged into the computer's USB port. After it is recognized, you can go to My Computer by pressing the Windows logo+E keys, or simply by going to Start>>My Computer (on Mac computers the hard drive should appear as an icon on the desktop). Once there you should see the new hard drive as an icon for the new hard drive. Double click to open it up. Once the new window opens, any files you wish to save can be simply dragged into the new window. The files will then be copied to the external hard drive where they will be stored until you remove them or the external hard drive dies.

CD/DVD

A CD-R/DVD-R (or RW) offers a secure external storage space to backup data. CD's are reliable and can make for easy storage of data, however, they are susceptible to scratching and environmental damage.

• The backup process is similar to that of an external hard drive. This can be done by inserting a blank disk into your disk drive. You can then access it by clicking the Windows logo button+E. Once there it will appear where your disk drive is usually located (on Mac computers the disk should appear as an icon on the desktop). Double click on the icon to open a window for the disk (Note: Formatting process may occur at this point). With the window open, files can be dragged onto the disk. Note: burning software is available to make the process easier and give you more options.

Web-Email Account

Using web-mail (such as Gmail, Outlook live, Yahoo, ect.) is an easy way to transport and secure small amounts of information such as a few documents or pictures. This keeps it safe from any hard drive it is accessed on and is only reliant on the mail client's servers. It is able to be accessed easily anywhere you have Internet access.

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This linked page provides additional information.

CD/DVD

A CD-R/DVD-R (or RW) offers a secure external storage space to backup data. CD's are reliable and can make for easy storage of data, however, they are susceptible to scratching and environmental damage.

• The backup process is similar to that of an external hard drive. This can be done by inserting a blank disk into your disk drive. You can then access it by clicking the Windows logo button+E. Once there it will appear where your disk drive is usually located (on Mac computers the disk should appear as an icon on the desktop). Double click on the icon to open a window for the disk (Note: Formatting process may occur at this point). With the window open, files can be dragged onto the disk. Note: burning software is available to make the process easier and give you more options.

Sources and Relevant Links

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