We can't stress this enough, if you don't have backups you risk losing everything and having to start over from scratch with no music, imaging, or commercials.
FILE BACKUP
The best way to backup is with an external USB hard drive.
Copy the ZONEDATA, ZONEAUDIO, and ZONEART folders) to the USB Drive.
You should make notes and take screenshots of the settings in all OnAir and Production machines for backup.
SQL BACKUP
Before you can backup the SQL Database, you will need to install PostgeSQL and setup some options in the DJBHeartbeat program.
After the initial setup, you can include the SQL Backup folder in the file backup above.
You should also schedule regular backups.
Best practice is to do multiple backups and keep a backup offsite.
If the studio location takes a lighting hit, an external hard drive kept in a safe somewhere can save months of work.
If you also keep a copy in the studio location, don't leave the external drive connected for lightning reasons.
After a backup, you should browse the external drive and make sure everything is there.
Remember this is your product and the more recent a backup is, the fewer missing files you will have should disaster strike.
Multiple backups give you added security
Other reasons for backup:
Hardware failure: even the best hardware can and will fail eventually.
User error/malfeasance: files can be accidentally deleted and disgruntled employees can make accidents happen.
Backup often.
