What about backup? In the age of cloud computing

I just want you to think If all my documents are in the clouds, do I need a backup?

I just want you to think If all my documents are in the clouds, do I need a backup? What is actually on my computer?

I just want you to think If all my documents are in the clouds, do I need a backup? What is actually on my computer? What is there that I can’t live without?

I just want you to think If all my documents are in the clouds, do I need a backup? What is actually on my computer? What is there that I can’t live without? Should I just wing it… and let the clouds do it. Companies with cloud computing services backup regularly or use multiple, redundant servers. Your data is safe out there.

What about music? Your new music might be cloud based, what about the old stuff that you got from a friend or your uncle Sal? Are your playlists in the clouds? What about operating system setting? Programs that you bought and installed? Do you have some of those? The only sure backup is unattended. But only if you need it.

Free is still good… There are multiple free backup programs that will work on a schedule basis. One is GFI backup for Windows. http://www.gfi.com/pages/backup-freeware.asp The Mac landscape is not as clear. I am told that the Mac Time Machine software is excellent. To read more about it follow this link: http://lifehacker.com/248943/geek-to-live--complete-free-mac-backup

Here’s a tip… Schedule your backup for one in the morning. Tell the software to forget it if the computer is not available. Leave the computer on all night when you want to back it up. Turn it off when you don’t. I have mine set to backup each day at nine in the morning, that’s when I’m at the Y swimming. When I get home, its done.