Backing Up
At the Laptop Help Desk, we understand that your data is a high priority. Therefore, when we see a computer with a hardware problem, the first thing we do is make our best efforts to save the computer's data. However, sometimes the data is unrecoverable.
We advise students and faculty to keep backups of their important data - school notes, pictures, music files, etc. External storage, such as your allocated UT webspace, an external hard drive, or even a USB thumb drive can all be used to back up files of importance.
If you would like help backing up your data, or would like advice on what to purchase to facilitate backing up, feel free to swing by the desk in SZB 536 or give us a call at (512) 471-6072 and we'd be glad to help. We can even provide you with a complimentary 700MB rewritable CD so you can back up your important documents at no cost.
To get you started, here are some recommendations:
- MacZealots has an article that discusses some Mac backup options.
- Click here to read Apple's take on backing up.
- Apple has another guide geared towards backing up files of particular importance.
- Matthew Phillips has written a guide on how to use the free program RSyncX to back up folders to external drives. (Designed for advanced users.)
As much as we love people backing up data, we still must say that if you choose to use any of the guides listed above then you do so at your own risk. However, if you'd like some help getting started, don't hesitate to come by the desk. You never know when a backup of a file or folder might save the day!