Backup - Pulling it All Together

Again I ran into into a question that I get asked quite often. I believe it is worth another one of the instances where I quote my email reply to the customer:  

Backup and Restore likely are for the non-technical home computer user the most misunderstood area of handling a computer. I have learned the hard way that discussing that over the phone usually is fruitless, mostly because a non-technical home computer user lacks basic background knowledge.

I am very reluctant to  advise about that area without the customer having a decent understanding of the terminology involved. Additionally a solid understanding of the different Pro and Cons of available technologies is requires.
If you want to read up about Backup/Restore than I can give you a few links to articles that expound on the basics.

1. TechTerms' basic explanation of Backup
2. PC Magazine's Beginner's Guide to PC-Backup
3. How-To Geek's How to Use All of Windows 10’s Backup and Recovery Tools

And here are some of my own musings from my blog related to Backup; these links are  in no particular order!

• Backup Devices from April 2012
• Why I recommend a Backup Program for $$ from June 2012
• On Line Backup - Not For Me from September 2012
• Cloud Storage - Again from July 2014  

I trust that you will find or take the time to digest all this reading. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

It may happen that you run into problems with single terms or technical words; please do an internet search yourself before you ask me, I would only have to send you links to Wikipedia that you easily can find yourself...
I know, all this may sound like I try to avoid a direct answer to your suggestion but, sorry, you will have to "do your homework".

After reading through above text I have to add one more article to the first group of links:

• How-To Geek's What's the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
  IMHO  this is one of the best articles about backups that I ever have read!
  
  My experience shows that on-line backups to remote servers are often VERY time consuming; UPload speed for data from your computer to a remote server is generally MUCH slower than download speed from the same server!
  

For the average home computer user who is not a computer geek and does not plan for his house burning down my recommendations are

• Use an external SSD for backups. See note below.
• Use Macrium Reflect Free for system images. See note below.
• Use Macrium Reflect Free for backing up your data files.

Re. SSDs:
Whether you  use an old fashioned HDD for backups or an SSD, you need a drive with USB 3 connection. USB 3 is much faster than USB 2. 

• If your current computer does not have USB 3 then your next computer will for sure.
• Laptops can generally not be upgraded from USB 2 to USB 3.
• Desktop computers generally can be upgraded to USB 3 for reasonably low cost.

Re. Macrium Reflect:
Even if you upgrade to the paid version of the program I want to remind you that I DO NOT get any kickbacks or any other hidden compensation!

Well, that was it for today. Stay safe, computer and health wise.