If your computer crashed RIGHT NOW, how long would it take you to get your genealogy setup back with a new computer?
Fortunately, for me, I would be back up and running within 30 minutes. Let me tell you how.
1) Multiple backups for my tree – I use RootsMagic for my family tree program, and I keep a copy of my database on my computer. I back it up to the cloud via 2 different services and I backup the database every time I work on my tree.
2) Multiple backups for my photos, videos, and documents. I keep my source materials organized separately from my family tree relationship data. For that I use a desktop photo management program and it’s online counterpart for permanent storage (yes permanent!). I have four copies of all of this material too!
3) I check that my backup services are running as intended – it is not enough to just use a backup service but you also have to make sure that it is running and actually saving your stuff. Files can get corrupted and stop working and we don’t want that!
If my computer crashed and I needed a new one – easy peasy…I would install RootsMagic, install my photo management program, import my two databases, and I’m ready to go!
This is the power of good organization + robust systems!
What would it take for you?
Hi Taneya,
This is great information. At this time, my documents are in different areas. I purchased Roots Magic. I do not have a photo database yet. I am in the process of trying to get things organized. Thank you for sharing.
Marcy