How do you back-up your files?

[JoshRoss]

This could be interesting for those who are new to the forum and those who are interested in backup technologies.

Feel free to post your solutions and what/how/when do you backup your data, where you store it and how convenient/inconvenient it might be. Feel free to be more in-depth about the topic or even suggest your own ideas for backups

Edit:
Forgot to write my own way of approach things.

I use a very simple and straightforward solution, external HDD once a day. I keep it offline from potential threats, always have up to date files and programs I might need to potentially remove malware or recover my PC.

Was thinking about Cloud Storage, any thoughts on that?

 

[USAFRet]

Read here:
http/www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3383768/backup-situation-home.html

 

[10tacle]

Similar to the above, I run an external HDD and back up crucial folders twice a week (and only when I'm actively on the PC). I do not keep the external drive plugged in at all times for security protection. One can never be too cautious on potential compromising no matter how good the anti-virus and firewall, especially with Windows. Then once a month I will transfer the backup files to a simple backup PC that is kept offline only.

For really critical/sensitive/sentimental data like important personal documents and family photos and video, I burn them on double density Blu-Ray media and keep two copies of each disc. One set goes to a home fireproof safe, and the other set goes into a bank safe deposit box where other things like my will are stored.

So for me that's up to three backups. I have not, do not, and will never trust online storage solutions. I most certainly wouldn't trust Google's propensity to spy on people and use their "free" backup solution. I don't even use my Galaxy Note 5's Samsung cloud backup service. I back my phone files up on PC.

 

[JoshRoss]

Never considered a fireproof safe option to protect your important data and backups, I will attempt to employ this strategy in the future. Thanks for linking USAFRet I'll be sure to read it, not sure how I missed that a similar question was posted not too long ago.

 

[das_stig]

Weekly external SSD and constant sync cloud backup.

 

[mdd1963]

Between Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, for storage of priceless photos, etc., I just don't have that much stuff that truly needs 'backed up'; but, I used to do a complete system image to an external drive via either Clonezilla and/or Macrium, Acronis True Image, etc... (I have an external 3 TB Toshiba and a front IcyDock bay for 3.5"/2.5" drives currently filled with HGST 4 TB)

 

[JoshRoss]

Is Acronis worth it that much? I was considering moving my stuff to Crash Plan, but after they bailed out of consumer market, I was kind of disappointed that there isn't an accurate alternative.

 

[mdd1963]

I would not pay for Acronis, given so many free alternatives, truthfully, but, anyone with an internal or external Western Digital can already download and use it for free, making total/partial backup system or entire drive images VERY easily. (Macrium Reflect is equally easy, as is EaseUS Todo Backup, AOMEI Backupper, etc...)

Clonezilla is Linux simple menu 3 color text based with no fancy GUI, but, with practice, works well (once you get around a little confusion over which drive should be mounted first, etc....; it's not intuitive the way the GUI based alternatives are)