====== Manual Backup ======

A backup is necessary at the end of each day.  A backup is the only way your system can be recovered and it is an important task.

The backup consists of a single file that is down loaded from the server, stored and then verified.

  - Select ''File'' and then ''Backup'' form the main menu in AutoMagic.
  - If you backup is password protected, you will be asked for a username and password.
  - If recent backup is not available a prompt will ask ''Would like to create a new backup file?''.  Select ''Yes''.
  - Wait for the backup file to be generated and downloaded from the server.
  - Drag and drop the icon into a suitable folder to copy the backup folder, this will copy the file into that folder.
  - If you are using an external disk, dismount and remount the disk.  On windows you will need to click on the ''Safely remove'' option before removing the disk.
  - Find the backup file you have saved and drag it over the box marked ''Drag file here to verify''.  This will check if the file on the backup disk is valid and a good copy of the backup.

===== Where should I store my backups? =====
Backups should ideally be stored on an external hard drive and stored offsite in case of fire.
Best practice is to use three disks and rotate to a different disk each day.  

===== How long should I store my backups for? =====
Keep at last 10 backup files on each disk, a total of 30 files.  

===== Are my backups encrypted? =====
No, by default your backup files are not encrypted.  If you require encrypted backups you can use an encrypted hard disk.  However, if the backup cannot be decrypted (e.g. if you have forgotten the password) the backup file cannot be used for recovering your data.

===== I have automated backup, do I need to do a manual backup? =====
Yes, the automated backup is never a guarantee.  It takes only a few minutes to do a manual backup, take a manual backup as often as possible and store the file on your PC.  You can use an external disk and take the backup offsite for extra security.