Backing up is the process of copying data for future use in the event that the original data becomes lost, corrupted, or stolen. Additional copies of data are called backups.
How can I back up my data?
The primary resource offered at Emerson is Google Drive. Please see our Google Drive guide for instructions on how to use Google Drive for personal and departmental data.
Additionally, we offer a variety of other storage options for large media. See our guide for storing large media for more.
Always make multiple copies on separate storage for all important data. For instance, if you have an important file that's uploaded to Google Drive, also ensure it is copied to a local hard drive or a personal Google Drive as well. Google Drive offers 15GB of storage for free accounts.
Leaving the College?
See our Access for Departing Students and Access for Departing Employees guides for comprehensive instructions and schedules for when you will lose access to Emerson resources.
Local
Local backups, such as external hard drives, are the fastest way to copy data but are susceptible to the same causes of damage and loss as the original data. Consider copying to multiple drives and place one in a safe, secure location.
Storing a copy on your own local storage will also ensure that your data is available at any time, including after leaving the College.
I have a corrupted hard drive! Can you help?
There is a chance that the Emerson IT Help Desk may recover your data. We cannot guarantee recovery, but bring your drive to the IT Help Desk and we will see what we can do!