Computer Maintenance · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: Preventive Maintenance · Lesson 3 of 3

Backups and Safe Shutdown

Make sure data survives failures.

In this lesson you will

  • Set up automatic backups
  • Teach users safe habits

Key concepts

File History and cloud syncexternal drivesrestore testssafe shutdown

The lesson

Set up automatic backups — File History to an external drive, OneDrive or another cloud service — and test a restore.

Teach users to save work often, shut down properly and not unplug computers during updates.

Write a maintenance schedule: weekly updates check, monthly backup test, quarterly cleaning.

Step by step

  1. Configure a backup.
  2. Restore a file.
  3. Write user habits guidance.
  4. Write the maintenance schedule.

Practice activity

Set up a tested backup and write the maintenance schedule.

Expected result: A working backup and a realistic schedule.

Check your understanding

  1. Why test a restore?

    Show answer

    To be sure the backup actually works.

  2. Why not unplug a computer during updates?

    Show answer

    It can corrupt the system.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.