P3:

Method of backing up data:

Data backup is the most important is because to protect the business data, it is part of running a business. A business can be more prepared with having data backup systems in place.
There are many types of backing up data, such as:

·                     External hard disk 

·                     USB Flash Drive

·                     Cloud backup

CLOUD BACKUP

Cloud Backup refers to backing up data to a remote, cloud-based server. Cloud backup data is stored in and accessible from several distributed and connected resources that comprise a cloud.

 

There are plenty of third party cloud storage options around with big names, which is free, paid or free with paid extras, such as:

·                              iCloud

·                              Dropbox

·                              Google drive

·                              OneDrive

ICLOUD

iCloud securely stores your photos, videos, documents, music, apps and more. It can make you easily share photos, calendars, locations and more with friends and family. iCloud is used for Apple brand only. When you sign in to iCloud on your other devices and computers using the same Apple ID. 

 

Advantages of ICloud:

·                              Simple and easy to use

·                              Simple access to your data

·                              Unlimited storage capability

Disadvantages of  ICloud:

·                             Slow transfer of large files

·                              Need to have internet connection

·                              Not all files are included in iCloud Backup

DROPBOX

Dropbox is a home for all your work. You can store and share files, collaborate on projects and bring the best ideas. It can store and access files from anywhere, if any changes are making from one device will automatically sync across all the devices. A Dropbox basic account is free and includes 2 GB of space.

Advantages of Dropbox:

·         Good amount of storage space.

·         Easy to use.

·         Share files using Dropbox

Disadvantages of Dropbox:

·         Can’t upload folders directly to its web app.

·         No secure encryption when data is at rest.

GOOGLE DRIVE

Google drive is one of the biggest advantages of having a google account. When we sign up google account we will get 10 GB of free storage and it integrates with Gmail, google photos and Google’s productivity apps, enabling to edit documents, save and share files and backup pictures directly to the cloud.

OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft’s service for hosting files in the “cloud”, that’s available for free to all the owners of Microsoft account. OneDrive offers users a simple way to store, sync and share all kind of files, with other people and devices on the web. 

Advantages of OneDrive:

·                     Free Storage – 15GB of free storage as well as the chance to earn extra free storage space.

·                     Easy organization – can store any kind of file on OneDrive be it photos, video, and documents and then access them from any of your windows PCs or mobile devices.

Disadvantages of OneDrive:

·                     Limited document size support – Microsoft does not support files over 15GB in OneDrive

·                     Limited offline access

EXTERNAL HARD DISK

An external hard drive is a portable storage device that can be attached to a computer through a USB or FireWire connection or wirelessly. It typically has high storage capacities and are often used to backup computers or serve as a network drive.

Advantages of External Hard Disk:

·                     Low cost and convenience of setup

·                     Large capacity

·                     The ability to be disconnected or turned off when a backup is not in progress – which prevent them from being infected by viruses, spyware and others

Disadvantages of External Hard Disk

·                     Most external hard disk have no password

·                     The same data loss as internal drives

·                     File versioning is difficult to set up on external hard drives

USB FLASH DRIVE

USB flash drive also known as pen drive, it is a plug and play portable storage device that uses flash memory and is lightweight enough to attach to a keychain. It can store important documents and data backups, carry favorite setting or applications. The minimum size of a USB flash drive capacity is 2 GB and the maximum capacity is 512GB.

Advantages of USB Flash Drive:

·                     Small and can hold large quantities of data

·                     Portable – user can take them wherever they go

Disadvantages of USB Flash Drive:

·                     Can sustain only limited number of write and erase cycles before the drive fails

·                     Portable storage devices in general are more likely to be lost, stolen or damaged.