NAPSI: PC users rejoice: Windows 8 is here and many experts agree that the new operating system for PCs will provide much greater flexibility for creating, sharing and enjoying all the content that consumers have collected and stored on their computers. However, experts urge consumers to back up all the digital content on their computer before upgrading to the new Windows 8 software, as missteps during any operating system transition could result in loss of digital data or corrupted files.

Call for backup
Backup is crucial for any and all computer users. By storing second and even third copies of precious digital files, such as family photos, home video, financial documents and more on separate external hard drives, users protect their important files in the case of theft, lost computers, viruses or environmental damages, in addition to the occasional failure of the storage mechanism(s), including hard drives and solid-state drives.

New features
Microsoft recognizes the importance of regularly backing up even after the transition to the newer operating system, which is why it has included two new features: File History and Storage Spaces. File History allows users to schedule regular backups to any hard drive directory on their computer. Additionally, Storage Spaces affords users the ability to make multiple external hard drives appear as a single storage volume for those who need the extra storage, or as multiple storage volumes for multiple, extra-safe computer backup options.

Some solutions
Storage vendors like WD offer a variety of backup solutions for everyday consumers, including portable and desktop external hard drives that connect to the computer via ultrafast USB 3.0 connections, such as WD’s My Passport line of portable drives or My Book line of desktop drives. The fast transfer speeds of these drives means regular backup will be quick and painless. Another option for consumers is network storage, which includes paid-for “cloud services” or WD’s personal cloud network drives, which connect to a home network and can be accessed from any computer or mobile device anywhere in the world, and offer the security and peace of mind that only a personal hard drive can provide.

The same WD drive can be used to back up a computer both before and after a user makes the switch to Windows 8, as all WD products—including hard drives, personal cloud network drives, and wireless storage routers—are 100 percent compatible with Windows 8, allowing for fast, easy and automated backup. North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.