Here are our 5 top tips for USB flash backup
Your indispensable guide to using your USB flash drive for data back up

1. Empty it
Its no good using your backup USB drive for everyday use. You are bound to make a mistake and delete something you didn't mean to without knowing it, and what a disaster that would be.
So make sure you have a dedicated device to backup to. No better way than to use 3 different coloured devices with the SANDISK 2GB CRUZER MICRO 3 PACK so that you can rotate your backups on different devices, no point in trusting a single device. By the way they are special offer so be quick.

2. Encrypt it
You probably have your data stored in your user account on the PC you are backing up from. This will no doubt have some password protection, and if you don't you should. So why wouldn't you do the same on your USB stick and protect what's backed up.
As usual there are several ways to achieve this depending on your skill level, confidence and security requirements. A commonly recommended solution is to use Truecrypt, but in my option this can be a bit of a problem. It can be a bit complicated to setup, you may need Administrator rights and using it in traveler mode can be a bit problematic. But it’s nothing you can't do with a bit of work, look it up here at Truecrypt.org.
Alternatively a simpler solution is probably to use a commercial product such as the Steganos Privacy Suite. It’s much easier to setup, just run the install program and away you go, risk free with a 30 day FREE trial.

3. Automate it
So now you have somewhere secure to store your data you just need to make sure everything is included in the copying process. Again it depends on your level of confidence or proficiency as to how you do this.
You could just use a file explorer program to open up a window on the USB memory stick and drag and drop your files to it. Problem is, that’s just what it is a drag.
For those of us with a longer memory a DOS batch file could be just the trick here. Just run COPY command, and away you go. But you may have to change the file each time you want include or exclude certain files or directories. Not a very flexible solution.
One solution is freely available from Microsoft is SyncToy. A relatively simple way to ensure that the contents of two directories are kept the same. Simple, but can be effective.
The more elegant solution is available from Steganos it has more features and hand holds you through the setup process, I recommend it to those who ask for a fully featured solution so you can always give it a try with a 30 day FREE trial.

4. Store it
Now store your USB memory stick somewhere safe. Habit and repetition is one of the best ways ensuring that you remember where things are. Put your USB memory stick on your key ring, works pass lanyard, in a drawer, on a hook, or on a shelf just make sure its always in the same place.

5. Do it
As a famous sportswear company once said 'Just Do It'. There is no point going to all this trouble and then forgetting to run your backup because you cant find your device. Put an event in your calendar, a reminder on your phone, tie a knot in your handkerchief, or add a task to your scheduler whatever works for you.

And remember forward to a friend if you think they may need it.

Any questions then get in touch.

John