+++
title = "So how do I back up?"
description = "Backups are a contentions and complicated subject, but these simple rules should help guide you."
weight = 3
type = "post"
+++

* Always back up in _some way_. While a copy of the data on the same array won't protect you against all problems, it will protect you against some.
* A _backup on the same server_ is susceptable to the _same failures as the original data_ set (hardware failure, natural disasters, and the like).
* A good rule of thumb is _three copies_ (the RAID is only one copy for this purpose): the _original_, one _onsite copy_, and one _offsite copy_. Store the offsite copy in the cloud, or at a friend's house.
* _Make backups regularly_, at least once a week, and automate if possible; the day you need a backup is the day you realize you hadn't run it in 6 months and what you need isn't backed up.
* _Test backups regularly_, at least once a month; _a backup is worthless if you can't restore from it_. Just because you have a backup doesn't mean you're protected; always test them.

There are dozens of backup utilities out there; I'm not going to prosthelytize for any one of them, but I personally use [BackupPC](http://backuppc.sourceforge.net/) for my server and workstation backups.

Do you need to back up everything? Of course not. That's up to you to decide. Some data is replaceable, some isn't. If it isn't, back it up!