Computer Backup Hardware

If you've decided that you want to backup your computer data on your own hardware, let us show you some of your options.

This site is devoted to Windows based PCs, specifically Windows XP computers. Visit a MAC site or a Linux site for other assistance.

Additional External or Internal Hard Drive
You can make backups easy by adding an additional hard drive to your computer or attaching an external hard drive. This will work if your computer crashes or your main drive fails, but it won't work in case of fire or other damage to the entire computer.

Maxtor OneTouch III Turbo Edition PC Magazine Review
This is for those with gigantic backup needs. 1000 GB. $900.

Maxtor OneTouch II Small Business Edition PC Magazine Review
Smaller capacity, 200 GB, and smaller price. $600.

Seagate External Hard Drive (400 GB) PC Magazine Review
200 GB to 500 GB capacities available for $200 to $387.

Network Drives
Back up all the PCs on your home network with one network backup drive.

Mirra Personal Server M-250 PC Magazine Review
Available in 160 GB, 250 GB, and 400 GB capacities priced at $280 - to $500.

Iomega StorCenter Network Drive (500 GB) $500
Also available in 160 MB, 250 MB, 500 GB, and 1 TB capacities priced at $200 to $900.

Zip Drives or Rev Drives
A Rev Drive uses a removable hard diskette that holds 35 GB of data. Rev drives start at $380 with Rev Disks running about $60 each. Zip drives are available that use 100, 250, or 750 MM data disks. Drives list at $80 to $180 with disks running $9 to $15 each.

Iomega Rev 35 PC Magazine Review
Holds up to 90 GB of compressed data.

USB Flash Drive
Small devices sometimes called jump drives, pen drives, pocket drives or thumb drives that plug into your USB port. Vary in capacity and can hold up to 4 GB of data. Extremely portable.

Memorex Mega TravelDrive PC Magazine Review
Available in 4, 6, and 8 GB capacities and ranging in price from $180 to $230.

U3 Smart™ Drive
A flash drive that holds more than just data. It also runs programs like your web browser or email program with your own settings leaving nothing on the computer you use the drive in. This allows you to use the drive on any computer and have your own files and your own set up of traditional office type programs. Programs are available at U3 Software Central.

SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive PC Magazine Review
512 MB to 4 GB. $45 to $200. Comes with CruzerSync desktop synchronization tool, SignupShield password manager, SKYPE, PC to PC video and audio calls, and AVAST antivirus.

Memorex U3 TravelDrive PC Magazine Review
Available in versions of 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB. Comes with email, security, file synchronization, and virus detection software. Memorex offers additional types of TravelDrives. $35 to $180.

Verbatim's 1GB Store 'n' Go U3 Smart Drive PC Magazine Review
Comes with email, security, file synchronization, and virus detection software. Available for $56.

Blu-Ray

Blu-ray is the next generation optical disk which uses a blue-violet laser to read and write to disk. This is very new, so we advise you to explore this storage medium at Blu-ray.com.

DVD
If your computer came equipped with a DVD burner, you use it with backup software to make DVD back ups of your computer.

CD
If your computer came equipped with a CD burner, you use it with backup software to make CD back ups of your computer.