Computersight -

Roxio Creator is a program that allows you to create CD or DVD backups of your computer folders or files. I know there are many other programs that do this, too. I use Roxio because it came with my computer and did not cost me anything.

Backing up computer files is one thing the average person puts off. Why? Because it takes time to organize all your files and save them to another place. It can be a horrible job, especially if you like to take pictures and have trouble weeding out the good from the bad. 

My main point in this article is going to be; however, to forget the organizing if you are holding off making a backup until you get everything organized. I’ve been around computers long enough to know that when a hard drive crashes, it takes with it a lot of information and memories that you can never get back, or it will take a lot of time and money to get back.

The simplest thing to do is to make a backup of your unorganized files. While this may not be as quick as you’d like, it is much quicker than if you try and organize everything. Obviously, if you have the time to organize first, I say “congratulations” and “go for it!”, but I expect you are in the minority of people. 

First of all, there are other options of backing up your information, such as buying another hard drive, or saving information on flash drives, or even using an on-line storage site. Each option has its own distinct advantage.

To store your information using Roxio, here is what to do:

First of all, decide if you want to use Cd’s or DVDs. I use DVDs because the disk holds a lot more information. The DVDs I use hold 4.7 GB, while a simple CD only holds 700 MB. Big difference. Another benefit is DVDs are rewritable, and some Cd’s are not.

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Then put your blank CD or DVD into your DVD player. RoxioCreator (or if you are using another software) should start automatically, by bringing up an autoplay box. Once in Roxio, click on “Data Disc.” This will work good for a backup of your documents and pictures. Next click on “add data,” and a drop down box will give you the option of adding a file or a folder. Once you have clicked which you want (folder or file), it will allow you to find the folder or file on your computer. Click on it, and then OK. After a few seconds it will appear in the Roxio box. One other important piece of information that will appear (in the lower left hand box) is how big your folder or file is, and how much space it will take up on the DVD you are trying to burn. If you have room, you can add more data until you can not fit anymore. Of course, if your folder is too big, you will have to break it up into two folders, or more, until it will fit on the DVD.  

Once you have the folders chosen, you are ready to transfer data to your disk. Simply click the big red button in the lower right hand corner and it will begin the process. You can watch the progress if you want. When it is done, it will pop open your DVD drive automatically.

Right away, take a marker and write the date and subject matter on your newly made disk. Store it in a safe place. 

Ahhhh. Finally, some peace of mind.

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