Why backups matter (more than ever)
- Hard drives fail. Not "if" — "when." Most drives last 3–7 years.
- Ransomware is everywhere. If your files get encrypted by ransomware, the only real recovery is from a backup.
- Theft and disaster. Laptops get stolen, houses flood, things happen.
- Mistakes happen. Accidentally deleted that folder of family photos? Backup saves the day.
What a real backup looks like
People often think they have a backup when they don't. Here's what real backup actually means:
- Automatic. If you have to remember to do it, you won't. Backups should run automatically.
- Multiple copies. The "3-2-1" rule: 3 copies of important data, on 2 different types of storage, with 1 offsite.
- Tested. A backup you can't restore from is worse than no backup, because it gives you false confidence. We test restores.
- Versioned. If a file gets corrupted on Tuesday and you only notice on Friday, you need to be able to restore Monday's version.
- Protected from ransomware. Some backup systems get encrypted right along with your computer. Real backup is isolated.
Home backup options we set up
- Cloud backup. Backblaze, iDrive, Carbonite — automatic, offsite, set-and-forget.
- External drive backup. USB drive that backs up automatically. Cheap, fast, but on its own not enough.
- Combined approach. External drive for fast restores + cloud for offsite protection. The right setup for most homes.
- OneDrive / iCloud / Google Drive setup. If you're already paying for cloud storage, we can configure it as part of your backup strategy.
Small business backup
For businesses, backups aren't optional. We set up business-grade backup including:
- Local NAS / network backup for fast restore
- Offsite cloud backup for disaster protection
- Versioned backup so you can restore from any point in time
- Ransomware-resistant backup architecture
- Regular automated test restores so you know it'll work when you need it
- Documentation so you (or whoever) knows exactly how to restore in a crisis
Already lost something? Don't give up — there's a chance we can recover it. Learn about our data recovery service →
Ready to fix it? Diagnosis is free, pricing is flat, and we treat your machine like it's our own. Call (440) 596-0009 or stop by — we serve North Ridgeville, Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Avon, Avon Lake, Elyria, Sheffield Village, Sheffield Lake, and surrounding West Shore communities.