In my previous post about my laptop meltdown, I mentioned I had a good system for backing up my files.  Let me introduce you to the 3-2-1 back-up strategy.  Or better yet, let this article introduce you to it. I’m not a Carbonite user — it doesn’t fit some of the requirements I have for recover-ability — but they did a great job explaining the concept.

When my computer crashed, I was immediately able to check my back-ups on another device (my tablet).  It eased any doubt that I was missing large chunks of data; the peace of mind was priceless.

When the new laptop arrived, I could jump right in and get everything going again.  I just finished it all last night.  There may be a program or two I have to purchase to reinstall, but the data is all there.

I’ve started my first set of back-ups on the new laptop, and will be working over the weekend to get the second set started.  The third is automatic and had run the minute I plugged in the new computer.

I strongly recommend that you follow the 3-2-1 strategy, if you don’t have a back-up strategy.  There is a small cost (under $300) to implement this strategy, and some time invested to set-up and check on it periodically.  It will all be worth it on that day that your computer finally fails.