Back Up Your Computer to an External Drive Quarterly

The Problem

Your computer has irreplaceable files: photos, documents, tax records. No backup exists.

The Hack

Buy a 1 TB external hard drive ($40-50). Windows: use File History. Mac: use Time Machine. Plug in quarterly and let it back up. Store the drive somewhere safe.

Why It Works

Computer hardware fails eventually — 100% failure rate given enough time. A quarterly external backup ensures maximum 3 months of data loss vs everything. Combined with daily cloud sync, you're bulletproof.

Pro Tips

• 1 TB Seagate or WD external drive: $40-50
• Windows: File History. Mac: Time Machine — both built-in
• Set a quarterly reminder: Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct
• Cloud + external drive = belt and suspenders