There are numerous methods for backing up your data. Some external hard drives come with their own backup software and there are multiple vendors which offer storage in the cloud. The important thing is that your data is backed up securely and can be retrieved in case your computer experiences a mishap.
Below are three possible options for backing up your data.
Method 1: Time Machine
Apple includes a software known as Time Machine. If you have an external drive, Time Machine can automatically copy any new or changed files to the external drive on an hourly basis.
Method 2: OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft’s online storage solution and can be synced to a folder on your computer (Windows & macOS). This means that any files/folders added or removed from that folder on your computer is also synchronized (uploaded or removed) from your OneDrive account.
To open an educational account with Microsoft, enter your NEIU email address on this page:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office
Method 3: Google Drive
Google Drive is similar to Microsoft’s OneDrive except it can be used exclusively through a web browser. An app can also be installed on your mobile devices to allow it to access Google Drive. Google Drive can be accessed at https://drive.google.com .
You’ll need either a personal Gmail account or you can use your Nmail account to log into Google Drive.
Time Machine
Time Machine is a macOS feature which works with an external storage drive (hard disk or solid state drive) to automatically back up your data.
- Connect an external storage drive to your computer.
- Click on the Apple Menu —> System Preferences —> Time Machine.
- Click Select Backup Disk.
- Select the name of your external storage drive and click Use Disk.
Time Machine will immediately begin to back up your files. You can click a check mark next to Show Time Machine in menu bar for additional options such as manually starting a backup session or to skip a backup already in progress.
The initial backup session will take the longest because it will first back up everything. After that has been completed, Time Machine will back up only the files that have changed since the previous backup session. Backup sessions will take place once per hour. When your external storage drive eventually becomes full, Time Machine will delete the oldest backup to make room for newer backups. If you prefer to keep the oldest backups, you can connect a new external storage drive and designate it as a Backup Disk by repeating the steps listed above.
When you wish to move the computer, eject the Time Machine drive before you unplug it. It is suggested to connect the Time Machine drive whenever possible to ensure your data is backed up on a regular basis.
For more information on how to use Time Machine, follow this link to Apple’s support document. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250
Microsoft OneDrive (macOS)
To use OneDrive, you will need to have a Microsoft account. To open a free, educational account with Microsoft, enter your NEIU email address on the link below and complete the steps on the Microsoft page.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office
The OneDrive app is located in the Applications folder. Double-click it to launch the app. After a few moments, a window will appear and prompt you to sign in. Enter the credentials you used to open the free educational Microsoft account.
OneDrive will create a folder on your computer.
The default location is /Users/YourUsername/OneDrive .
To add files to your online OneDrive storage, drag or move files into the OneDrive folder. Files added to OneDrive can be accessed by any computer or mobile device which you have installed OneDrive and logged into your Microsoft account. Options can be accessed by clicking on the OneDrive icon on the menu bar.
For more information on how to use OneDrive, follow this link to Microsoft’s support site.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/sync-with-onedrive-bb89981b-e382-4969-b8fd-d413a90b6db3
Google Drive (macOS)
Nmail users can use their NEIU credentials to store files on Google Drive.
To begin, go to https://drive.google.com and enter your email address into the Google Sign in page in the following format:
username@neiu.edu
After you click Next, an NEIU page will prompt you to enter your NEIU credentials. The Duo security system may also prompt you to approve the log in.
After authenticating, the browser will return you to the Google Drive website.
After you log into the Google Drive site, you can click on the New button located on the top left corner of the window to create a folder, to upload a folder, or to upload an individual file.
You can also drag and drop files from your computer directly into the browser window to upload a copy onto Google Drive.
To access other commands, right-click on a file in Google Drive and a contextual menu will appear.
For more information on how to use Google Drive, follow this link to Google’s support site.
https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2424384?hl=en