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IT basics · Lesson 5 of 6 · About 10 minutes

Keep a recoverable copy of your files

Study the required lesson, then use the four questions to check your understanding.

Required reading

Always back up your most important data · UK National Cyber Security Centre · Free reading, no account needed.

Read “What is a backup?”, “Backing up using removable media”, “Restoring backups”, and “Recovering files deleted by mistake”.

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Optional ITForMe explanation and example

A backup is a separate copy of important data that you can use if the original is lost or damaged. Another folder on the same drive does not protect against that drive failing.

You can keep backups on removable storage or a suitable cloud backup service. Disconnect removable backup media when it is not being used so a problem on the computer is less likely to damage that copy too.

Check that the backup contains the important files and recent changes you need. If a file is deleted by mistake, check the recycle bin or available previous versions; use your backup when needed.

Example: A drive fails after your report was updated. A separate backup from yesterday can recover yesterday's report, but it cannot recover changes that were never copied to it.

Check your understanding

Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears after submission.

1. You want a copy that can survive your computer's storage drive failing. Which location provides a separate copy?
2. A removable backup has finished. What reduces the chance that later ransomware on the computer also changes that copy?
3. A backup ran last week. Your important report changed yesterday. What should you check before relying on that backup?
4. You deleted a document by mistake a moment ago. Which existing recovery location should you check first?

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