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Storing, Compressing, and Backing up your Data and Files
Options at Boston College
Summary:  Learn storage, compression, and backup options for your data. ITS strongly recommends that you either use a backup system for your files and data or store your data in a location that is backed up automatically.

File compression

File compression is a process of "packaging" a file (or files) to use less disk space. If you are running out of storage space, or are backing up your files, we strongly suggest you compress your files. File compression is also useful when sharing files over the Internet. Learn more about file compression.

Backup of large datasets

Iron Mountain Backup Service (faculty and staff Windows users only)

Automatically backup all of the files/data stored on your Windows computer.

Iron Mountain Iron Mountain service is available to backup the primary computer for each faculty and staff member in academic and administrative areas.
  • Capacity: 4 GB compressed (typically about 10 GB uncompressed). Files are automatically compressed during the backup process to the off-site location and uncompressed upon restore.
  • Requirements: Currently available only for Windows.
  • Benefits: Files and data are encrypted, compressed and stored on a secure, off-site server. Backup is performed on a regular basis and does not require user interaction. Files may be restored through a website.

MyFiles@bc

Store files/data or share select files on a secure website that is backed up nightly.

Folder

New Window MyFiles@bc is a file storage, file sharing, web-based service provided by ITS to all BC faculty, staff, and students. It can also be used as a place to backup files.
Learn how to use MyFiles@bc: Windows | Mac OS X (Leopard 10.5 & Tiger 10.4) | Using a web browser

  • Capacity: 1 GB for Faculty & Staff (more available upon request) 100 MB for Students.
  • Requirements: Available for Windows and Mac.
  • Benefits: Files are stored on a secure server that is backed up nightly. MyFiles@bc is platform independent and can be accessed using a web browser.

Portable USB devices (memory sticks and Flash drives)

Store, transport, or backup your files/data. Capacities vary. USB devices used for backup should be stored at a separate location.

USB drive Invest in a key chain-sized memory stick available at the New Window BC Bookstore or an online store like New Window Amazon.com orNew Window CDWG.com
Learn how to copy files to a USB drive.
  • Capacity: 1 to 16 GB
  • Requirements: Works with both Windows and Mac. Requires an available USB port.
  • Benefits: Very small and portable. Memory sticks and flash drives can be reused many times.

CDs or DVDs

Store or backup certain files/data on to a CD or DVD. CDs and DVDs used for backup should be stored at a separate location.

CD Burn your data and files on CD or DVD:
Windows XP (Roxio) | Windows XP (Sonic) | Mac OS X (Leopard 10.5 & Tiger 10.4) | Mac OS X (Jaguar 10.2)
CDs and DVDs are available from the BC Bookstore or stores like Staples or BestBuy.
  • Capacity: CD: approximately 650 MB; DVD: approximately 4.3 GB; Dual-Layer DVD: approximately 8.6 GB
  • Requirements: Writable CD or DVD drive and software. Requires proper storage and handling to avoid data loss. If a rewritable CD/DVD is not used, a new disc must be used for each backup. Most faculty/staff computers currently in use will burn a CD but not a DVD.
  • Benefits: Large amounts of data may be backed up on multiple disks.

External hard drives

Store files or backup your data. Drives used for backup should be stored at a separate location.

External hard drive Learn how to copy files to an external hard drive.
  • Capacity: Up to 750 GB on a single drive
  • Requirements: External hard drives are available in many sizes. Requires scheduling or frequent user intervention for up-to-date backups.
  • Benefits: Can expand the storage available on your computer and can backup your entire computer, including the operating system, applications, preferences and configuration files.

Departmental servers (Faculty and Staff only)

Store, share, and backup departmental sensitive or confidential data (Faculty and Staff only). Servers are typically backed up nightly.

Many departments have departmental servers. The capacity and usage requirements vary, depending on the department. For information on servers in your department, please contact your New Window Technology Consultant.

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