Today is World Backup Day - March 31
/Today you should check your computer systems’ backups. Backing up your computing devices is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you should do with them. Nothing is more important.
If the devices die, get stolen, drop in the lake, get any liquid spilled on them (except iPhones which are waterproof) you will be thankful you have a backup. Yes, bummer you have to go get a new device, but at least all of your apps, settings, passwords, pictures, documents, music, and on and on are saved in a safe place.
Here is how to check your backups:
iPhones and iPads - Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap it and make sure it is on AND check the date of the last backup. It should be recent, if not, find out why.
Macs - Macs do NOT backup to iCloud. Time Machine is your Mac’s built-in automatic backup software. You have to add an external hard drive to your Mac for it to work, however. These are small devices, about $50 on Amazon that plug into your Mac via USB. Once plugged in and set up, Time Machine backs up hourly.
To check your Mac’s backup status - System Preferences > Time Machine.
I can help you get your Mac’s Time Machine set up if you wish.
I also backup my Mac to an online backup service in case my house gets robbed or burns down. I use Backblaze and have since 2014. Great service - $70/year/computer, unlimited storage.
Happy backing up!