Have you ever had a hard drive crash? It’s a harrowing experience. All of your hard work can potentially vanish into thin air if you don’t have your computer properly backed up. As an indie artist, your files are you. They’re your work, and they represent countless hours of creativity, dreams and motivation.

So, don’t press your luck. If you don’t have your computer backed up, now’s the time. Or, if you’ve been backing up your files on multiple thumb drives or external hard drives, consider making your life easier by backing up your files on a cloud. It’s easy, cheap and there are several options.

Cloud computing is also a great option if you work across several computers and are sick of having to transfer files. With a cloud, you can access all the files online, easily, at anytime. And without having to remember where you put that little thumb drive.

Here are some great options:

• Carbonite is an online back-up system that automatically stores your documents, settings, email, pictures and music. The initial back up takes some time (usually a few days) but is very easy to use and allows you to see what files have been backed up, and what still needs to be done. Once you install Carbonite, it begins backing up your files automatically, in the background, so it doesn’t interfere with your work. You can access your files from any web browser, or from most smartphones. Unlimited online back up is only $59/year. They offer a free trial, so try it before you buy it. (But it’s worth the money and peace of mind.)
• Dropbox was founded in 2007 by two MIT students who were tired of emailing files to themselves to work from more than one computer. A free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily, Dropbox is used by more than 45 million people across every continent, allowing them to have their files at hand, share with family and friends, and work on team projects. Best of all, it’s free!
• Box.net is similar to Dropbox, but it allows for more document editing and management capabilities. You can share files as a link, sync files on a desktop, and keep track of edits. It has mobile access, so you can get your files on the go, at any time. As an indie artist, Box is a great tool to use to collaborate with your band mates or producer – especially if you’re sharing large music files. It also offers admin controls and you can integrate it with business software like Google apps and CRM programs. They also offer a free option, so give it a shot! And watch the video for further explanation.

As your New Year’s resolution, do yourself a favor and back up your files. You’ll sleep better at night, and with solutions like Box.net, you might also increase your productivity. Start 2012 with a bang—and with all of your files in tact.

Tell us what you think! Have you backed up your files? Do you use a cloud?

Up next: Holiday parties and the importance of networking.

The SongCast Crew