When you return your computer to the computer rental company, their staff may immediately wipe the computer’s hard disk clean and re-install the operating system before the machine is rented out to a new customer. This approach ensures that rental firms protect their customers from data theft. For this reason, should you require a back up copy of your data, ensure you make arrangements to do so before returning the machine to the rental firm.

Why you need to back up data

There are two main grounds for making regular back ups: archiving and data integrity. Once your project has been completed you need to keep a copy of it for your record. Prior to completion of your project, you need to make sure that you have the ongoing project backed up in the unfortunate event that you somehow manage to lose the data on your Apple computer rental.

Backup media options

Once you make the decision to back up your data, the next step is to decide what media to use to do so. There are several ways to safely archive your data and these include:

– Optical formats such as CDs or DVDs – These are cheap and reliable but can have a rather short shelf life.

– Magnetic media like tapes and hard disk drives – These have a longer life expectancy but are prone to damage by electromagnetic radiation and failure of the mechanical kind.

– Backup to a remote location online – This is the most dependable solution but does not come free.

Whatever the media you pick, do ensure you have sufficient space free on it to back up all your files.

For most intents and purposes portable external hard disk drives are generally thought to be the most suitable. These can be attached via a USB hub to the computer and then removed and taken to another location for safe storage when the backup is completed.

Pick suitable backup software

You also need to use a software program on board your Apple computer rental to identify, collect and keep track of the files you want copied. Not all programs are identical. Some will back up only specific types of files and not system folders and applications, while others will do exactly the opposite. Before opting for a software program ensure what it offers is what you are looking for.
Back up data regularly

Finally, remember that the most expensive options will prove to be useless unless you actually back up your data on a regular basis. Some software will do the backing up completely automatically once the defaults are set, but it is prudent to keep an eye out for possible glitches as no systems are absolutely foolproof. Ensure you learn to use your archiving software properly and utilize it regularly. Also make sure you know how to restore data from your back up. Data loss if generally inevitable at some point – a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘what if’.

While backing up will not completely prevent data loss from your Apple computer rental, it can certainly guard against it to a great degree. A little caution on your part will certainly forestall some potentially serious problems down the line.

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