Backups

We made a serious error this week. While working on Second Genesis the file was corrupted and we lost the last 2 weeks worth of changes. No problem my off site back up runs nightly. I figured all I have to do is restore one of the five copies on Richard's backup server. Only one problem The BU server was recently switch and while transitioning to the new server no backup was created the folder holding Second Genesis and other books. We lost about a months work by having to revert to an older copy.
I cannot stress enough how important backups are. Don't be lulled into believing that the system your pounding out your great America novel out on will last forever. Even brand new hard drives crash, corrupt, or just stop working.
There are  a number of very reliable and affordable backup services on the web, though a local back is more convenient. A combination of both is even better. First an external hard drive is a great way to start. Windows has it own built in backup system, though I prefer a third party solution. One I've used with a great deal of success is Second Copy, another is Genie. Once a backup of your flies is on the external Hard Disk Drive you can then backup those files to your off site server.

Don't trust your luck. Backup, bakup, bsckup.