Due to the constant influx of new computer virus and deteriorating desktop computer, I am forced to do frequent data backup. For some data backup maybe a routine while for others it’s a necessity or a life line. There’s a number of data backup solutions ranging from a simple file copy and paste to an external USB data backup storage disk to remote offsite backup service.

For the unfamiliar daily data backup might sound absurd, but for people that are hit by loss of data might appreciate the importance of a data backup. The need is always there to backup data, but the frequency or the backup media might not be the same.

Some computer data backup solution for Windows XP:

• Optical data discs
• USB External Drives
• Offsite Backup

The most convenient way for me to do data backup is through an optical data discs like CD or DVD discs. Most desktop computers have a CD/DVD Writer available. Good quality DVD discs are reliable, transportable and have large capacity. I find rewritable optical discs as perfect media for regular backups. Latest backup software like Handy Backup have features to even record hard disk image backup to DVD. It has automatic disc erasing feature which is useful for rewriteable DVDs. It would be better if you have more advanced media, such as HD DVD or Blu-Ray. This is a good backup for disasters like computer virus infection or harddisk failure.

The second most convenient way to backup data on a Windows XP system is the USB External Drive. External backup data storage drives are very handy especially the 2.5 inch laptop computer size hard disks. USB External drive could have a capacity of about 500 to 1000 GB which is more than enough to store the various data at work. The ability to back up to DVD is one of the most valuable

Another convenient way of backing up data without worry much about is through offsite storage backup. There’s no need to install software on you computer, but use instead the browser to do the data backup. An online backup software would be a good mode of data backup if Internet access is not a problem.

Most data backup software have the data verification feature to ensure that the data backed up is good. You don’t want to waste time and money on an unusable backup data when disaster comes. For me, a good data backup software should be able to automatically, easily and reliably backup data.