This might end up as a lot of words but it works well.

My backup system has been the same for decades. I used to use what was called "Microsoft SyncToy". I now use a more sophisticated sync software. The sync system has worked well through several computer changes. I didn't invent it, but only followed standard practices before there were online choices.

1. I divide what is on my computer between (a) installed programs and (b) data, including image files, that I create.

2. I have two separate USB connected drives dedicated to backups. As my image files have grown, those drives are 8 TB and called "Western Digital MyBook". They use wall power.

3. My computer has a 1TB drive and I use a single 5 TB USB portable external drive. Most of my active files are on the internal and I move them to the external when I need space. All, repeat all, of my created data files on the computer are in a single folder I call "Working Data". The programs are where they want to be, but never in "Working Data".

4. I use a program called "GoodSync". There is a limited free version but they have moved to a subscription system at $60 a year.

The first time you use GoodSync it puts an exact copy of what you want from the primary drive on the backup drive. That can take a few hours. Then, whenever I feel a need that something important needs backing up, I put GoodSync to work. It first compares the two drives and then makes them match. That process is quick.

I alternate between the two big backup drives. The result is that I always have three copies of everything important to me with little fussing.

When my computers have failed, it takes a day or so to re-install all my programs on the new machine. Then it is simple to copy the "Working Data" file from my most recent backup. A massive failure costs a little time, but is not catastrophic. I can be back at it with all my favorite stuff in a day or to.

I think one of the high points with this new forum is that it is serving to raise awareness about smartphone photography. It’s obvious that smartphone cameras can take images that go far beyond snaps of the kids’ birthday parties, family gatherings or, shudder, selfies. Each iteration brings more and more sophistication and technology to smartphone cameras and the aftermarket is building up a plethora of accessories and software and other devices for smartphone cameras and photography. This forum can help with education as well as information, and, as is the case with UHH in general, answers from members to questions posed by others. Thanks to this forum “they” can’t accuse smartphone cameras as inferior or those who use them as not being actual photographers. I encourage those who use this forum to inform others about it and encourage them to visit us here and see what it’s all about. It’s not about professional photography, it’s about fun photography.