What is best way to back up data from multiple PCs

I have three active PCs, two laptops and one desktop. One laptop running Win 7 and the other two on Win 10.

I have been using Dropbox (sorta) for backup on some crucial files.

My question is whether I should get an external local HD or use DVD as backup or continue to use DropBox or some other cloud program. I don't even know if the OS is saved on a backup program or external data HD.

I suppose this question might also be debated on the hardware threads, but figured this would be a good place to start. You guys never steer me wrong.

Thanks for all you do. wildbill

 

I image rather than backup. This saves everything. I create images of our four Windows 7 computers about every 4 - 6 weeks. I boot from a CD or USB stick which loads the recovery software in RAM so Windows is not loaded.

I also prefer the images stored locally and not in the cloud. If the internet goes down, I'd only be able to get to the backup files if I used a hotspot and I'm not sure I'd want to download files at a public hotspot.

What program are you using to do your backups?

From the time I first started using computers, I always saved 2 copies of files off the computer. It used to be on floppy disks but then we moved to USB sticks for files that change a lot. For things like pictures taken with digital cameras, I burn the original to CD before I did anything with the picture.

 

I don't understand. The word images creates its own image in my mind of a photo. Is there a place to find out about this somewhere like on You Tube.

 

An image backup creates a large file, 7 gigs for my minimal install of win 10, and it is a sector by sector backup of the hard drive. The backup includes windows, all programs, all data, all settings of everything. The program I use is Macrium Reflect Free. The created image file is a compressed hd copy; my c drive has 619 gb used.

 

I do have some questions but i'm gonna check out these two programs you referrred me to before I ask them. No sense being a dumbass that won't do anything for himself, eh? Thanks and I will talk to you soon.