It’s good that you are taking steps to back up your files. There’s something about backups when it comes to small businesses and entrepreneurs — even though people KNOW they should do backups, somehow the backups never get done often enough.

That’s why, for small businesses without IT staffs, I recommend an online backup service. The reason is that you can “set it and forget it.” Most services let you schedule regular automatic backups. Once you pay for your subscription service, set up your account, and schedule your backups, usually you don’t need to do anything more (except not let the service lapse!).

Another alternative is to purchase an external backup disk along with automatic backup software — again, so that you can set it and forget it. Some of the security software, such as McAfee and Norton, even have backup software built into their packages. You just purchase a disk drive.

Flash drives are inexpensive, but the problem is that you have to remember to run backups regularly. Unless you are incredibly disciplined, most people eventually lapse.