Backup Solutions

BACKUP YOUR LAPTOP AND SECURE YOUR DATA

Option 1 - BEST

1. Use our Network Storage: In order to really protect your data, your primary academic work should be stored on our file servers.  They are backed up up every evening, they are housed in a secure location, and they have full emergency power for 24x7 operation.  We provide 1GB of data storage for your academic work.  Keep your documents there, and access them through the H: drive and through the VPN.
2. Use a web based solution: There are two options:
   • For students using Exchange labs for email, it includes access to Microsoft's SkyDrive. SkyDrive lets students store documents online so they can access them from any computer and share with others.  It includes 5 GB password-protected online storage.
   • Students can also sign up with SugarSync.  SugarSync has a special offer for lawStudents: 5 GB of online storage at no cost for 1 year.  To sign up, use this link. 
3. BackUp onto a USB external Drive: This should be as a supplement to file server storage and web based storage.  Using an external drive, while 98% effective , might still leave you without your files in case your laptop AND your external drive are stolen or destroyed.  However, the external drive does give you the ability to quickly get your documents back, even if you do not have a network connection.

Option 2 - BETTER

BackUp onto a USB external Drive:  Having at least one copy of your documents in a second location is better than nothing.  Using an external drive, while 98% effective , might still leave you without your files in case your laptop AND your external drive are stolen or destroyed.  However, the external drive does give you the ability to quickly get your documents back, even if you do not have network connection.

Option 3 - GOOD

BackUp onto a USB Thumbdrive: Having at least one copy of your documents in a second location is better than nothing.  But be aware that USB Thumbdrives do fail, and when they do, it is very difficult to restore files.  The other problem with thumbdrives is that they are easily lost or misplaced.

Option 4 - NOT AN OPTION

Although it is easy to forget about the safety of your data, the truth is that there is a high likelihood that you may lose all or some of your work while you are a law student.  There is simply no excuse for failing to back up your data.

IF DISASTER DOES STRIKE....

However, should you ignore our advice, and your harddrive fails, we can try to recover the data.  The cost for this service is $30 for the diagnostice fee (regardless if we are able to recover anything) and $30 to $90 for the actual recovery.  If we are unable to get your data, there are several companies that will try.  The cost varies, but one less-expensive option is http://www.gillware.com/.  We do have an account with GillWare and students can get a 10% discount on their services