As a rule of thumb, backing up data should be a thing regardless of whether you are an individual or a business. Losing files never feels nice, and there are situations when even data recovery software cannot help you.
Some of the most common causes of data loss include:
- Malware and other cybersecurity threats
- Deleting files accidentally
- Power outages
- Hardware breakdowns
There are also instances when you create a file and cannot locate it. Say that you take a screenshot but do not know where it goes. Well, here are a few possible locations:
- The desktop
- Your iCloud account
- Another folder of your choosing
It comes down to what option you set up, but it is necessary to keep an eye on the files and make sure that you do not lose them.
You can take protection to minimize the risks. For example, cybersecurity issues are preventable by investing in the necessary tools, such as antivirus software.
It also helps when users who surf the web are smart about ignoring fishy ads. Knowing how to flush DNS cache comes in handy, not just for the security but the overall better browsing performance.
It is still too hard to determine whether such precautions are enough. As a rule of thumb, it is better to be safe than sorry, particularly regarding essential data.
Apple Devices and Their Security
Commonly used, MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones are known for their reliability and durability. Compared to its competition, Apple likes to be more innovative and offer users extra options as far as security is concerned. Of course, it is also worth noting that Apple products come with a premium price, but that does not stop the tech giant from making massive profits every year.
So, are the premium price and built-in prevention measures enough to justify Apple users not bothering with a data backup? Unlikely.
As mentioned before, there is no telling when something might lead to losing files. Therefore, creating a copy (or multiple copies) of files is better.
Between iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks, there are two standard methods to back up data on these devices—iCloud storage and Time Machine.
Backing Up Data via Cloud Storage
Cloud computing and storage have been around for a while. Because many people do not want to bother with clutter in their homes or offices, they prefer a digital approach to keeping files.
One of the enormous benefits of clouds is sharing files between different devices so long as they are synced with the cloud account. iCloud is no exception to this rule. If anything, Apple has made it very clear that they want to create an environment where users can benefit from a mini-ecosystem that connects different Apple devices.
Backing up data on iCloud is as simple as taking files from the device and transferring them to your iCloud account.
Besides the convenience, cloud storage is also great for its reliability and security, which make it an optimal choice for data backups.
In the case of iCloud, you might be okay with the free option. Every user automatically gets 5GB of free storage, but it is not necessarily enough, particularly if you have many different files that you would like to keep in iCloud.
If so, there is the option to subscribe to a different plan and pay a monthly fee. Right now, Apple offers three different iCloud plans:
- iCloud+ with 50GB storage for $0.99 per month
- iCloud+ with 200GB storage for $2.99 per month
- iCloud+ with 2TB storage for $9.99 per month.
Besides extra storage, you also get other benefits, such as a custom email domain and iCloud Private Relay (online privacy), though if you are concerned about backing up data, the emphasis should be on the additional space to your needs.
Backing Up Data via Time Machine
Time Machine is a built-in macOS tool that is available on a MacBook. If you prefer to use it instead of cloud storage, then, by all means, go for it.
One thing to note is that Time Machine cannot back up and store data by itself. You will also need an external storage accessory, such as a hard drive.
If you wonder whether you can use the tool to back up iPhone or iPad data, doing that directly is not an option. First, you will have to take the extra step of copying files to a MacBook.
Now, the first time you back up data via Time Machine, expect it to take a while, especially if you choose to back up everything when there are many files on the computer. Future backups will not take as much because Time Machine checks and syncs data from prior backups, meaning that it will be only new files that require backing.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the two most commonly used backup options for Apple devices are Time Machine and iCloud.
You can pick either two or go with both for extra precaution. The crucial thing is to make sure that your data is safe and you have a copy of it in case the original disappears.
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