Hi everyone!
Today I want to talk about the backup options we have. Backing up our work is one of the most important things we must do as translators and freelancers. Not backing it up could mean that you could lose not just a document but even a client.
The worst thing that could happen to a translator – and to anybody who writes or creates in digital form – is when the computer crashes. It is by far a catastrophic event that could warrant a momentary snap from sanity or reality, a trauma of tragic proportion. Okay, that seems too much. But really, computers that crash is nothing short of stressful so you’ll have to consider one of the backup options presented below.
Most common backup options
There are several options to get hold of when creating backup options for all your computer files. Most of these helpful tips are easy to do; they’re also cheap and do not require you to spend much on pricey hardware that is often bulky to set up. Try considering:
Making a Backup Plan Using Another Media. IT experts would tell you that a backup plan involves saving your file using media that can be taken off and stored somewhere safe. When such a crash happens, you can retrieve your files through this backup media and open it using another computer. Of course, it makes a lot more practical if these backup files are updated regularly. By a long shot, doing this could actually be tiresome for many. But when a crash happens, those who followed through with this step have certainly many reasons to be thankful for. By taking another medium to store your files, they do not become susceptible to viruses or system outbreaks. And by storing them offline, especially in a fire and water-safe place, you are certain that you can start working again. This is the most secure of the backup options available but it is not for everyone.
Cloud Backup Applications. They are perhaps some of the more modern options to take in ensuring your software and other similar files. This is a form of backup service that is done remotely to ensure the security of your important files. A thing of caution when using this backup plan: Since it is connected to a system, stored data are synced. If a threat is detected in the local PC, then the cloud service may have to be discontinued to avoid further damage.
Cloud storage. While this is not one of the full system backup options, it proves to be quite useful when you want to backup certain files (like translation work, documents, dictionaries, terminology lists, and translation memories). A great example of this is Dropbox.
Make Several Records and Versions of Your Files. If possible, use a number of external USB drives to store files. These come in handy in cases of emergencies. In the event of an infection or when a natural disaster occurs, or physical damage affects the files, you will have other options to check those stored data. You can also keep your files by saving them at different stages in different forms. This step will allow you to check and recover the files before the specific time of the crash.
This backup plan for translators ensures that the backup options are as powerful and reliable as any IT expert would want them to be. It can save anyone the trouble and cost later on when a crash inevitably happens.
Do you regularly backup your computer files? If so, which backup option do you use? Do you use more than one option? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe!
Thank you again to Day Translations for sponsoring this blog post. Check out more about them and their services here: https://daytranslations.com/
Until next time, don’t forget to backup and stay safe!
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Translation Expert 