Drive backup software is the "brains" behind effective backup solutions. The idea of losing your data can be enough to frighten any computer user into doing a quick backup, but the reality is that unless you make it a habit you can potentially lose all your data. Anyone that's been though this experience knows the horror. Whether it's a hard drive crash, a stolen computer or just a corrupt file, a regular backup routine is vitally important. And it can potentially save much more than just your data.

Backups are not a simple as just creating copies of your entire hard drive every now and again. Its about sorting information and synchronizing your data so that you only keep a robust copy at all times. If you're not smart you will fill a couple of hard drives in a week or two, so using the right software is crucial. Here are 3 important things to consider.

1. File Compression

One of the main reasons for using drive backup software is to compress your data. File compression allows you to take large files and store than as much smaller compressed versions. Not only does it save you storage space but it's a much safer way to store your data.

2. Scheduling

One of the most important reasons for using drive backup software is to be able to schedule your backups. This allows you to have a completely hands-off approach to data management and knowing that your data will be safe without you having to manually make backup copies whenever you have time to do it.

3. Synchronization

Doing backups for a single PC is not really all that complicated. If you have more than one computer things get more complex and if you have multiple users working on the same files and databases it can become incredibly complicated to keep track of the most up to date information. This is where drive backup software is critically important because not only will it manage all the backups for you, but will allow you to assign priority to certain files, folders and even databases.

Backups is serious business and if you are a business owner you need to make sure that you are on the ball with this. Not only is it part of a good data management policy, but its required by law that you keep backups of important documents. Don't let this slide. Set it up properly and know that you are safe and protected.