Unlike in the past when majority of the work was carried out in a handwritten matter, times have changed. Majority of the work is now done online and this has eased the things a lot. However, it has also created a precarious situation when it comes to saving your hard earned data.

Any hardware or software related problem can lead to valuable data loss and all your hard earned efforts can go waste. That's really a big pain in the A but however, all is not lost and you can still try a range of options when it comes to protecting the valuable data.

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Below are some of the tricks and unique measures that will help you protect the valuable data. It's not easy to loose them, it will definitely ruin the flow of everything.

So to prevent such catastrophic incidents, here are some amazing ways to protect them:

Create Extra Copies

Majority of experts pointed out that any of your data should be stored in at least two locations. As an example they quoted anniversary photographs can always get deleted in case they are stored only in the memory card of your camera. The card can get corrupted on any occasion resulting in loss of valuable data.

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It would be advisable to have an extra copy of the photographs or video and the same should be stored either in your computer or on an extra hard disk device. The same rule applies to any other form of data that you might be having. Experts pointed out that external hard disks are a viable solution and data storage in the same should be encouraged.

Here are some of the best and recommended portable drives that is worthy of acquiring.

• WD Elements Portable
  Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
  Price: $70 for 2TB

• Toshiba Canvio Basics
  Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
  Price: $53 for 1TB

• WD Black My Passport
  Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
  Price: $55 for 1TB

• Seagate Expansion Portable
  Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
  Price: $70 for 2TB

• ADATA HD710
  Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
  Price: $77 for 1TB

• Transcend 1TB StoreJet M3
  Interface: USB 2.0
  Price: $57 for 1TB

I have been using WD Elements Portable (2TB) for almost 4 years now and I am pretty satisfied with it. It has saved my soul for many times already.

Sorting the Files Sensibly

Your computer or any other hard disc device must be having numerous files. The files need to be named and saved in a meaningful manner. Saving files at random without you, yourself knowing the details of the data is of no use.

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Ideally, the files should be either saved by their name or the project under which these have been prepared. This will help you keep a tab on the usability and relevance of the concerned files. Finding the same will become easier and you can save these on hard disk, knowing well which file is of more relevance in the current context in which you are looking for the same.

Want to seamlessly sort your files? Here are some way of managing your files:

• Create folders in a logical hierarchy
• Organize by category
• Organize by date
• Archive what you don't need
• Refrain from creating duplicates

Backing up the files regularly

Though it is not important to back up your whole system every day, but you should develop the habit of backing up those files which you update on a daily basis. If any data loss occurs, you can end up in trouble in case the files you have stored are old versions of the data.

You might be overwhelmed if you have a lot of files and wonder which files should you back up? Here's a few suggestions on what to back up:

• Your user folder
• Internet browser bookmarks and favorites
• Email backup
• A list of all installed programs
• Other important folders on the other drives

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Make it a habit to overdo the old file and save a new backup copy for the files in which you make additions on a daily basis. In case, you are busy enough to complete this task yourself assign the same to any junior or your employee who is computer savvy and knows the work well. You will be doing a great lot for yourself if you develop this habit and encourage the practice.

Testing your Backups

It might happen that you would be saving an updated version of the file on regular basis and still one day when you check the files are either corrupted or not compatible. All your efforts carried in the true earnest could go waste in such a precarious situation.

It is really critical to test your back ups because

• there might new developments of the file techonology
• you need to check the current state of the back up file

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The problem might arise as at times the CDs can get corrupted or the files that you might be storing are not compatible with the system in which they have been stored. The older files might also be needed to be converted to the new system.

Before you create a backup for your regular files, you should keep all these aspects in mind. In case, you are storing the data in CDs, keep checking the same from time to time, so as to ensure that your files are safe and readable all the while. Assign the task of creating a viable back up option to any technical person if you have one in your office or learn the basics of file saving, if you are carrying the work yourself.

Both ways you will stand to benefit and you valuable data will be in safer hands all the while.

Storing the Data Online

The rapid dissemination of internet technology has created an additional safer option of storing the data. You can save all your valuable files in your personal mail, the photographs can be saved on websites like flickr.com. Almost everything digital can be stored online.

Having your data stored online has benefits like:

• No server maintenance needed thus saves you extra money.
• Data is easily moved that means you can work from anywhere
• Added security and avoid data loss.

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Alternatively, you can save your data on Google Drive which offers a safer option of saving the files online. Aside from Google Drive (15GB), there are other sites that offer the same services and functionalities and best of all, its free.

Here they are:

• Deego
  Free Quota: 100 GB cloud space
• Dropbox
  Free quota: 2 GB
• pCloud
  Free quota: 10 GB
• Box
  Free quota: 10 GB
• OneDrive
  Free quota: 5 GB
• Mediafire
  Free Quota: 10 GB

Data safety is of paramount significance for everyone. All your hard earned efforts can go waste in case the data is lost. Try the measures listed above and ensure your data safety, all the while.