Have you backed up your files recently?

If you’re thinking “They’re probably in the cloud…” – it might be time to double-check. We’ve seen it too many times: someone’s laptop breaks or goes missing, and suddenly they’ve lost years of photos, work, or important documents.

A backup is your safety net – but not all backups are the same. Relying on just one backup method (especially cloud-only) can leave you at risk.

What Is a Proper Backup?

A proper backup means your files are saved in at least two different places. Saving your files to the cloud (like Google Drive or iCloud) is helpful, but it’s not enough on its own.

If that cloud account is hacked, deleted, or the service has problems, you could lose everything.

1. External Hard Drives

These are a great way to save large amounts of data. You can back up your whole computer or just your important files.

• ✅ Fast, easy to use, works without internet
• ❌ Can break if dropped or wear out over time

Tip: Don’t leave the drive plugged in all the time – keep it somewhere safe.

2. Memory Sticks (USB Drives)

USB sticks are good for quick backups of smaller files like documents and photos.

• ✅ Small, easy to use, portable
• ❌ Easy to lose, less storage, not ideal as your only backup

3. Cloud Storage (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.)

Cloud storage is handy, but it’s not perfect. A lot of people think it’s a full backup, but that’s not always the case.

✅ What’s Good About the Cloud:

• You can access your files from anywhere
• Your changes are saved automatically
• Great for sharing files
• Your data isn’t stored on just one device

❌ The Downsides:

• If you delete a file on your device, it might delete from the cloud too
• If your account is hacked or locked, you could lose access
• You’re trusting someone else’s computer to keep your data safe
• Free space is limited – you’ll often need to pay for more

Reminder: The cloud is just another computer, owned by someone else. If that service has a problem, so do your files.

Top Tip: Make sure the setting “Always Keep on This Device” (or similar) is turned on. That way, a copy of your files stays on your computer, even if your internet goes down.

4. NAS Drives (Network Attached Storage)

A NAS is like your own private cloud at home. It connects to your Wi-Fi and stores your files in one place.

• ✅ Great for families or anyone with lots of files
• ✅ Can be set up to back up devices automatically
• ❌ Costs more upfront and may need help to set up

When Should You Back Up?

Short answer? As soon as you’ve done something important.

If you’ve spent 6 hours working on a spreadsheet, sorting photos, or writing a letter – back it up straight away. Don’t wait until the end of the week or month.

Think of backing up like saving your progress – do it often.

Our advice:

• Back up straight after doing anything important
• Set up automatic backups to run every day or week
• Use more than one backup method just in case

Our Recommendation: Use at Least Two – But Three Is Even Better

We always suggest using at least two different types of backup. But if you want to be really safe, go for three.

Here are some examples:

• Cloud + External Hard Drive
• USB Stick + Cloud
• NAS Drive + Cloud + USB Stick

Why three? Because if one doesn’t work, and another has a problem (like no internet), you’ve still got a third backup ready.

The more copies you have – in different places – the better protected your data is.

Need Help Setting Up Backups?

At Computer Shop Tunbridge Wells, we can help you with:

• ✅ Setting up external hard drives or USB sticks
• ✅ Help with cloud storage and syncing
• ✅ Installing and setting up NAS drives

We’ll help you create a simple, reliable backup plan that gives you peace of mind.

Are You a Business Owner?

If you run a business, data loss can cause major problems. That’s where Swiftech Solutions comes in. We provide full business backup, disaster recovery, and continuity services.

👉 Visit our Business Continuity page for expert help and support.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Photos, documents, family memories, and important files – they’re worth protecting. Don’t risk losing them.

📍 Come and see us in the shop, give us a call, or send us a message – we’ll help you back it all up properly.