| When site disaster strikes, will you be prepared? | | | | you write on your blog is stored in your blog's |
| WordPress users can stay safe by backing up | | | | database. |
| their sites often. It can be quick and easy yet | | | | Both the database and the site files need to be |
| few bloggers do it. The problem is that few | | | | backed up. You would not want to lose either of |
| understand what can happen without a backup, | | | | those components. Back them both up regularly. |
| what components you need to backup, and how | | | | |
| to make it all happen. | | | | 3. How do I do a WordPress backup? |
| 1. Why do a backup? | | | | Most hosts that offer a cpanel also offer |
| We all know that problems with your computer | | | | systems that give you the ability to backup your |
| can (and do) occur for no apparent reason. Your | | | | site. For detailed information on how to use the |
| browser might crash, your machine may freeze | | | | services/software provided by your host, contact |
| up and require a restart, or your Internet | | | | them for more information and details of the |
| connection may refuse to work. Just like those | | | | resources they provide. Your host's |
| unexplainable occurrences, your site could go | | | | representative should be very helpful in walking |
| down for no reason at all. Your blog could become | | | | you through doing a backup of your site. |
| the victim of a hacker. Or your blog's database | | | | And just in case you're caught offguard and need |
| could become corrupted or get erased. | | | | a recent backup, know that most hosts do back |
| While many of those things are totally out of our | | | | up their servers. If you're in need, it might be |
| control, we can safeguard our site and its data by | | | | possible to get a backup from your host. It may |
| doing periodic backups. A backup allows you to | | | | take some time and might cost you a few bucks |
| recover and reinstall your site and its contents. | | | | though. A simple tech support call to your host will |
| 2. What do you need to backup? | | | | educate you on their practices. It's much smarter |
| Basically, your WordPress site consists of two | | | | and safer to control your own site backup though. |
| elements: the site structure itself and the | | | | Your host's backup should not be something you |
| contents of the site. | | | | depend upon. |
| The WordPress site portion contains the theme, | | | | The old saying of "the best defense is a good |
| the plugins, images, scripts - basically the set up | | | | offense" is very applicable here. Having a recent |
| for your blog and its design. | | | | backup should be your first line of defense against |
| The WordPress database contains all of your blog | | | | what could be a disastrous loss of your site and |
| posts, comments, and all of the links you have | | | | its contents. Be on the offense and do a regular |
| scattered across your blog. Basically, everything | | | | backup of both your site and your database. |