Why is it important to back up your hard drive from time to time?

Answer 1

if you receive a virus or any malware that disrupts your computers functions or stops you from accessing your files, or if the virus is made to delete your files it can disable you access to the info and you might need to reinstall your operating system in this case you would not be able to access your information unless it was backed up. you could also cause physical damage to your laptop or its stolen and unless its backed up you wont be able to access any of your files. Also you should do it time to time so that you are updateing you backed up files with any current files that you recently created

Answer 2

My last computer was prone to crashing, viruses, etc. Music I had purchased over the internet would be lost, forcing me to re-purchase it, as well as reloading licensed CD's in my possession. Digital photographs were lost that could not be replaced (I lost 2 years of photos).

In short, a back-up drive is like an insurance policy- If your computer dies, or if it is hit by a virus, you simply up-load files. It is a good idea not to leave the back-up drive connected to you computer, to avoid infections.