Safely Backup Your Computer Files With These 3 Free Tools

It is understandably essential to do a regular backup of files to ensure that important files and data on your PC will remain intact in the event of a crash or hard drive failure. The reason why every PC user should practice this is because once any of these unfortunate events occur, these files and data are gone for good. Below, you'll discover three free tools that you can use to back up files on your computer and you'll never have to worry about your precious files going *poof*.

Though there is a number of software and procedures to backup your files, the following tools provide unique ways to backup your data in addition to the typical copy and paste trick.

1. Macrium Reflect Free

Macrium Reflect Free lets you make an exact copy of your hard drive for superb backup protection. It is a drive-imaging tool, which is designed to take an identical byte-for-byte copy of your PC's hard drive to ensure every file and data is backed up. This is important in protecting your main system drive from an unexpected failure. If you need a tool that can do a complete backup, Macrium Reflect Free accomplishes the job.

To install Macrium Reflect Free, download it via the link above, then follow the simple on-screen prompts -- you'll be able to install it in a matter of minutes.

You will then be provided with the option to automatically choose key partitions necessary for backing up your Windows computer. It will also allow you to browse backups, retrieve individual files, and verify your images to make sure you won't be disappointed in case a disaster occurs. Another great feature Macrium Reflect Free provides is that it enables users to create a disc rescue so that they're always covered when crisis strikes.

2. FreeNAS

Users can turn a second PC into a backup tool for their entire network with the help of FreeNAS. This solution is perfect especially to those who would like to convert a 64-bit PC with a lot of RAM into a super powerful NAS. The FreeNAS backup tool is a complete OS, and with it being "headless," you can administer it remotely via your browser.

FreeNAS utilizes ZFS Snapshots to take regular system backups -- as long as space allows it -- so you can access old files fast and easily. A bonus feature of the tool allows you to upload media files like movies to your NAS, where any user on the network can access and watch it from anywhere in the house.

You can get the FreeNAS tool by downloading it from the link provided above, and simply follow the download instructions.

3. FreeFileSync

Another great backup tool is the FreeFileSync, which is designed to keep two folders up-to-date and synced. This is a perfect tool for syncing files between an internal hard drive and an external hard drive -- let's say a USB flash drive. But if you prefer to switch the sync setting from Mirror or Update, FreeFileSync has the ability to quickly back up folders as well.

FreeFileSync's overview pane gives you a quick glance of how much data needs to be copied or backed up, as well as breaking it down and organizing everything by type. Both Windows and Linux users can use the FreeFileSync tool to make sure all their important files are secured.

You can download FreeFileSync by clicking on its download page given above, then just follow the on-screen instructions in order to install it. It's an easy setup and you'll be surprised that the tool is very simple to navigate and use.

Backup tools don't have to be boring or too serious, but let's not forget their importance in making sure that all our files are protected from any untoward incident.