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Show Backing up at day's end: Do it yourself with these easy tips U Business Computer j by Franklynn Peterson and Judy K-Turkol j When we install a client's hard-disk hard-disk computer system, we make it so easy. to do backups, the user isn't tempted to turn off the terminal at day's end before backing up all the work done that day. That's how important im-portant we consider backups to be. We spent one column (Dec. 26) explaining ex-plaining why you need complete disk -- -lit- lape backup" copies of all com-"" puter files. VVe showed why most computer owners' duplication systems are inadequate. And we promised tips so small computer owners can quickly and effectively make daily backups of hard disks. Another column will discuss backup hardware and software you can buy. The do-it-yourself programs here are lor computers using PC DOS 2.1. Consult your manual for variations required by "IBM compatibles" or I'C DOS 3.1. Csers of Apple Profile and First Class hard disks, as well as I'NIX and Xenix owners, ought to consult their manuals but you'll find that automating those backups is harder than with MS and PC DOS. Before making any backups on MS or PC DOS computers, first type CIIKDSK C:F. This program searches sear-ches for and fixes stray bits of damaged files that can mess up all your backups. Here's how to create any of the lullowing simple backup automation programs: First type "COPY CON BACKUP. HAT" right after you power up and the screen reads "C: " i That's if your hard disk is named "C" and your floppy drive is "A." Revise these programs if yours are different. I Then carefully type in the programs. The first one is for simple backups done simply: BACKUP C. A: SMA Fit (Function key 6) The "S" commands PC DOS to include files in ail subdirectories: "M" to backup all files modified since the last backup; "A" to add new backup files to the old instead of erasing old backup files first . ) This next program is for a two-step two-step extra-safe backup system. It makes an "A" set of backup floppy disks for files modified since the last-backup, last-backup, and adds them to previously backed-up files. A "B" set handles files modified since the first of the current month At the start of each month, modify the date alter the "D:" (set for Marchlas is). CLS REM Phase I: Backing up files modified since last backup HEM USE BACKUP FLOPPY DISKS "A" BACKUP C: A: SMA PAUSE Backing up Phase 1 should be completed now. HEM IF NOT. hit CONTROL plus BREAK right now. CLS REM Phase 2: Backing up files modified this month REM USE BACKUP FLOPPY I)ISKS"B" BACKUPC: A: SD::i-l-fii CLS F(i The next program makes the same kind of backups as above, but saves you from manually changing the backup program each month. Instead, In-stead, to activate this program, type in the current month's number after the BACKUP command, for instance in-stance "BACKUP 3" for March. If you forget the number, the program forces a restart. CLS ECHO OFF V 1 GO TO DO WW 2 GO TO DO IF1 :i GO TO DO IF'V.l GO TO DO lr'Y,l 5 GO TO DO IF'V.l (i GO TO DO IF'V.l 7 GO TO DO IF'V.l !) GO TO DO IF'V.l 1(1 GO TO DO IF'V.l M GO TO DO IF'V.l 12 GO TO DO j ... :D0 ! ECHO ON j REM Phase 1: Backing up files modified since last backup REM USE BACKUP FLOPPY DISKS "A" BACKUPC: A: SMA REM Backing up Phase 1 should be completed now. PAUSE IF NOT, hit CONTROL plus BREAK right now. CLS REM Phase 2: Backing up files modified this month REM USE BACKUP FLOPPY DISKS "B" BACKUP C: A: ASD:'V,l-l-86 GOTO END : ERROR REM Oops! You have to type in the month's number REM one space after BACKUP. REM EXAMPLE: BACKUP 9 REM Notice you should not put a mi" in front of 1-9 REM Now. please hit CONTROL and BREAK to re-start. :END F( The authors will answer questions and send a checklist of available back issues. Send a stamped, self-addressed self-addressed envelope to The Business Computer, 4343 W. Beltline Hwy., Madison, Wis: 53711. Comparative details on computer price and performance are found in a 4. ooo-word special report, "Your Personal Computer Buying Guide." For your copy, send a $3 check payable to Newspaperbooks for Report FP02, in care of The Park Record, P.O. Box 3688, Park City, I 'T 84060. i c 1986 PK Associates. Inc. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Ser-vices, Inc. |
