Tips on storing data and files

There is different methods to store your personal files on the computer. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Below is a couple of different options

Option One

Majority of programs will let you designate what folder you want to store your files in. For example, the default location for Microsoft Word is My documents. However, if you don't like your files being stored in that folder, you can have your personal files stored elsewhere.

The procedure to change the default location varies depending on the program that you are using. You will need to consult the manual on how to do it for the particular program.

Advantages

All personal files are saved in designated folders.
You will know what folders they are and be able to backup those folders.
Better chance of not overlooking an important file to backup.

Disadvantage

If you forget to backup the data and have a crash you will loose any files not backed up.
If you have to re-install your operating system, you will have to save your files before doing the reinstall.
Not all programs will allow you to change the location where the files are saved. You may overlook these files in your backup.

Option Two

Create more than one partition on your hard drive. Keep your operating system and programs on drive C. Your personal files on drive D.

Advantages

If you need to re-install your operating system, you can without wiping out your personal files. Just wipe out partition C and re-install the partition, but leave partition D intact.
Less chances of overlooking an important file when you do your backups.

Disadvantages

Your hard drive crashes, you will loose files on all partitions.
You will still need to manually backup the files in the event that the hard drive fails or the partition gets corrupted.
Can accidentally touch the second partition while dealing with the first partition and damaging the files on the second partition.

Option Three

Add a second hard drive. Use the second hard drive to hold your personal files.

Advantages

Drive C goes bad, you will still have your personal files because they are on a different drive.
Less chances of harming your personal files while tampering with drive C.
Personal files will be centralized and therefore easier to back up.

Disadvantages

Still no redundancy. If the drive with the personal files dies before the data is backed up, you will loose the personal files.
Still have to manually backup your files.
If you need to do a reinstall of the operating system, you will need to physically disconnect the second drive. This means opening your computer and disconnecting the cable.

Option Four

Create a raid 1 Mirror configuration.

Advantages

Second drive contains the same files that the first drive has. If first hard drive has a failure, the second drive still has the files. You just replace the failed drive and recreate the mirror and the data on second drive will be copied to the first drive.
The personal files will be duplicated on the second drive automatically. You don't have to remember to do the backups

Disadvantages

Personal files are not portable. If you need the files at a different location, you will have to save the files to a CD, memory stick or other portable media.
The cost goes up because you will need two hard drives instead of one for this configuration.
You will not gain hard drive space. If you have two 75 Gig hard drives on your system, you will only have 75 Gigs of space available and not 150 gigs. (This is because the second drive mirrors the first drive)
Not all systems have this capability.
The personal files are located on the same drive as the operating system.

Option Five

Install two USB hard drives. Use a macro that copies the files from one USB drive to the other drive. This way the second USB drive is an exact copy of the first. You can automate the macro by putting the macro in the scheduler so it automatically runs. There is also backup programs that will do this.

Advantages

Your personal files will be on the first USB drive and a copy of it will be on the second drive. If one of the USB drives die, you have the data on the other drive as well.
If you need to re-install the OS, you disconnect the USB cables and your data cannot be accidentally touched by the re-install procedure.
You don't have to open the computer to disconnect the two other drives. Just disconnect the USB cable going to the two drives.
Sometimes a short or a power surge can take out all internal drives. The external drives may be save from this catastrophe. (Doesn't 100% prevent it. The USB drives can be damaged as well but they are on a different path and may be spared in the event of a power surge)
The personal files are portable. If you have the USB drives connected to the home computer and you need the data on the computer at work, you just disconnect the drive at home, then take it to work. When you arrive at work, just plug it in and you will have access to the files.

Disadvantages

Cost is higher because you will have to purchase two additional drives. You will have to purchase either two USB hard drives or buy two USB case enclosures to install the hard drives in and two internal hard drives to put in the USB case enclosure.
Take up more room on your desk and use additional wall outlets.

Recommendation

If you can afford it I would recommend Option Five. Your personal files will be portable and you will be able to disconnect it from the system easy.

Here are other pages that may help you as well.

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