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This weekend the clocks go back here in the UK and this time of year typically signifies an increase in crime as the criminals take advantage that the additional cover of darkness affords. Statistics show that there are many popular items that are stolen from homes these include games consoles and laptops. When this happens it is extremely upsetting but often the items taken can be replaced under a good insurance policy. However, when a computer or laptop is stolen there is more to it than just the item stolen as these items have information on which can often be very personal to the owner.

So what can you do?

Apart from the normal household security measures, you can help to protect your important information and the best way to do this is to backup the information that you have got such as photo’s, files, emails and other such files. There are a number of ways that this can be done. One way is to purchase an external hard drive and copy your data onto the drive using software that typically will come with your operating system; with Apple OSX you can use Time Machine or with Windows 7 you can use Windows backup. You could also use an online storage provider, many of these will offer a ‘freemium’ service to home users. The essence of this type of service is that it is free under a basic service plan, however if you require more then you have the option to purchase a monthly plan. Below is a list of online storage providers that offer online storage free or under a ‘freemium’ service.

• Mozy – provides 2GB of online backup using their own backup software
• Humyo – provides 10GB of online storage which is uploaded through their web portal
• Live Skydrive – provides 25GB of online storage provided through Microsoft’s Live website
• A Drive – the largest provider giving 50GB online storage accessed through FTP under the free account

All of the above services offer some form of free service which should be able to get you kick started in doing regular backups and, should the worse happen, then it may just prevent those most valuable memories from being lost.