Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Back up regularly
There is no point having duplicate versions of your data if they are out of date. Base the in-
terval between performing manual backups on the amount of work you do. In heavy periods
when you are downloading, editing and enhancing many images at a time, backup more
often; in the quieter moments you won't need to duplicate files as frequently. Most profes-
sionals back up on a daily basis or at the conclusion of a work session. Alternatively add
the pictures used in your current projects to an Album with the Backup/Synchronization
feature switched on. It should be noted that synchronization is not instantaneous, especially
for large files.
Backup glossary
Backup hardware
Multi-disk archive
- A process, often called spanning,
by which chunks of data that are larger than one disk
can be split up and saved to multiple CD-ROMs or DVDs
using spanning software. The files can be recompiled
later using utility software supplied by the same
company that wrote the disks.
Full backup
- Duplicates all files even if they haven't
changed since the last time an archive was produced.
Incremental
- Backs up only those files that have
changed since the last archive was produced. This makes
for faster backups but means that it takes longer to
restore files as the program must look for the latest
version of files before restoring them.
Restore
- Reinstates files from a backup archive to their
original state on your hard drive.
CD-ROM or DVD writer
- This option is very
economical when coupled with software that is capable
of writing large numbers of files over multiple disks. The
sets of archive disks can easily be stored off-site, insuring
you against theft and fire problems, but the backup and
restore process of this approach can be long and tedious.
Internal hard drive
- Adding an extra hard drive inside
your computer that can be used for backing up provides
a fast and efficient way to archive your files but won't
secure them against theft, fire or even some electrical
breakdowns such as power surges.
External hard drive
- Connected via USB or Firewire
these external self-contained units are both fast and
efficient and can also be stored off-site, providing good
all-round protection.
Store the duplicates securely
In ensuring the security of your images you will not only need to protect your photos from
the possibility of a hard drive crash but also from such dramatic events as burglary and fire.
Do this by storing one copy of your files securely at home and an extra copy of your archive
disks or external backup drives somewhere other than your home or office. Synchronized
Albums account for such events by storing their contents both in Elements and also online.
The bundled photos icon
at the top right of the
thumbnail indicates that
the photo is part of a
Version Set.
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