File Backup

At Denison, Information Technology Services works very hard to protect your files. Despite that effort, it is very possible for individuals to store files in unsafe places. It is your responsibility to protect your work. Automated backup methods vary greatly from Mac to PC so if you use more than one system, be sure you understand how to protect your work.

Novell File Servers

The best way to keep your information safe on campus is to use the Novell file system. Every person on campus has private workspace on the Novell servers. Only you and the network administrator can access your Novell space, but the campus policy on security and privacy dictates that the network administrator does not view or modify your files; the administrator will only look through your files if you have contacted the Information Technology Services Help Desk for help with restoring a missing or damaged file. Novell has many other advantages. It scans your files for viruses automatically and protects your data in case of a power outage or network disturbance. Archive tapes used to backup the Novell servers are stored in a fireproof vault in a separate building on campus.

Burned CDs

The best do-it-yourself method of data backups is to burn your files on a CD. By etching your work in plastic, you have a portable, easily accessible archive of your work. This is a great method of archiving your work if you use a laptop. If you are off campus without access to the Denison network, CDs are the best form of data security.

This is also one of the easiest ways to share your work with friends and coworkers. Most computers on campus come equipped with CD burners. They are also available in the public labs at Denison.

Pen Drives

Pen Drives are a wonderful way to transfer files between computers and for short term file backups. Pen drives can be purchased from the Denison Bookstore. Be aware that pen drives can fail over time so you should not store your only copy of a file on a pen drive.

File Compression

To fit more information onto a CD or DVD for backup purposes, you may wish to compress your files first. Once you have a compressed archive of your files, you can burn that archive to a CD or DVD.

Macintosh To compress files or folders, right click on the file or folder and choose the "Compress [filename or folder name]" option from the popup menu list. Burn this .zip file to your CD or DVD.

Note: To right click on a Mac hold down the "Control" key on your keyboard and click on the file or folder.

Windows For Windows XP, right click on the folder and select Send to Compressed (zipped) folder. A new compressed folder of the files will be created.

Do Not Use...

Floppy Disks are the worst possible way of storing files. Floppies are prone to data loss at any given time. Now that floppies are phased out of existence, it is getting harder to find a floppy drive to read your disks. Any wanted files you currently have on floppies should be moved.