I back up all my changed folders (usually 2 or 3) every evening to an external hard drive. Is it advisable to have the ext. HD plugged into the laptop all the time [usb], or should I plug it in just for the backup operation which never takes more than 2 or 3 minutes? Thanks in advance.
Mine stays plugged in all the time, has been for over two years. Shouldn't matter either way as long as you don't do anything stupid.
I remove my back up drives when not in use.
It keep backup safe from hardware problems, infection, power loss problems and just general mistakes made by the user.
It takes but a few seconds to unhook and re-hook when needed.
I also advise keeping the drive disconnected except when updating a backup. If the drive is kept connected, a virus or other malware would be able to corrupt not only the data on the computer but also on the backup drive.
RolandJS brings up a good point about versioning. It's always a good idea to keep multiple versions of your files in case a recent copy of a backup should also become corrupted. FreeFileSync is a folder/file syncing program that, when set to Mirror mode, is excellent for backing up data (not system files, however) and has an optional versioning feature built in. However, even versioning cannot protect your data if the backup drive is kept connected to the computer all the time.
I'm the OP.
I have had mine plugged in all the time for a couple of years - since the day I bought it, actually. I have not had any problems but I attribute that more to good luck than knowledge ... MENSA has never contacted me with an application form for membership. I think, however, from now on I shall unplug it and plug it in only when backing up or backuping.
Thanks to all for info, advice and instruction.
MENSA never contacted me either! Regarding backups, I must be "lucky" or God-blessed, 'cause I only have at the most 1 version back. Maybe I need to look into FreeFileSync versioning much more closely. LadyF, do you remember the clicks I need to do?
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