Take the time to back up your precious memories or important files.

Here is a great short video from World Backup Day explaining why we should all back up: https://vimeo.com/97489098 

Below are some simple guidelines from http://www.worldbackupday.com/en/

What is a back up?

A backup is a second copy of all your important files — for example, your family photos, home videos, documents and emails.

Instead of storing it all in one place (like your computer), you keep another copy of everything somewhere safe.

Losing your files is much more common than you’d think.

Ever lost your phone, camera or tablet? That counts. Your stuff could have been saved with a backup.

One small accident or failure could destroy all the important stuff you care about.

Most people backup their files in one of two ways: to an external drive, or somewhere on the Internet.

It’s really easy, and you only need to set it up once!

DISCLAIMER: Even though this process is super simple, we’re not responsible for any data loss. Make sure you read through each screen carefully and you should be fine!

Backing up to an external hard drive

You’ll need an external hard drive for this, preferably one that holds more than your computer can.

WINDOWS 7

Click the Start button.

Type “backup” into the search box.

Click on Backup and Restore.

Choose “Set up Backup”.

When Windows has finished preparing, select your external hard drive and click Next.

Click “Let Windows Choose” and press Next.

You can change when Windows backs up your files by clicking “Change Backup Schedule” if you like. The more often, the better!

Then click “Save settings and run backup”.

You’re all done! Windows will backup automatically from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in, or if you’re on a laptop, set a reminder to plug it in often.

Congrats on setting up your first backup!

WINDOWS 8

Open your start screen and start typing “file history settings”.

In the search results panel, tap or click “File History Settings”.

Tap or click “Select a drive”.

Choose your external hard drive from the list.

Click “Turn on”.

That was easy. Windows will backup all your files automatically from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in - or at least plug it in often.

Congratulations on setting up your first backup!

BACKING UP ONLINE

A simple way to start saving your files to the internet is by using OneDriveDropboxGoogle Drive, to backup the most important things you’re working on right now.

These “online drives” usually don’t have too much space, and only backup one folder on your computer. However, this is great for students and business people who need to keep their most important documents safe.

THE WORLD BACKUP DAY PLEDGE

“I solemnly swear to backup my important documents and precious memories on March 31st.”

I will also tell my friends and family about World Backup Day - friends don't let friends go without a backup. 

Go to http://www.worldbackupday.com/en/ for more information