The importance of website backup can not be over-emphasized. Who would want to put in considerable effort and time into writing and updating blog content only to wake up one morning to discover all has disappeared?
Funny enough though, I discover that probably because this does not occur frequently, a lot of webmasters take huge risk by not doing a backup frequently. Some use a WordPress plugin to do a backup but this is not a comprehensive enough website backup.
I know quite a number of webmasters use HostGator as their web host, just as I equally do. My emphasis in this article therefore is on how to backup your blog and website content using HostGator Control Panel.
From the outset, I would recommend that every webmaster do a backup at least once a month as an "insurance" against unforeseen circumstances. A copy of this backup should be maintained off-site i.e. away from the webmaster's hosting company's server, probably on the webmaster's hard drive or on a detachable compact disk or flash drive.
The simple process of getting this website backup done using HostGator control panel is as follows:
Click on "BackUp Wizard" under "files" and this will take you to a web page titled "cPanel X" where you are presented with two options i.e. to "backup" or to "restore a previous backup".
Click on "Backup" and this takes you to a web page enquiring whether you wish to have a full backup or a partial backup. I always do a full backup and if you also wish to, you can click on "Full backup"
The next web page you are led to, immediately presents you with this message:
A full backup will create an archive of all the files and configurations on your website. You can only use this to move your account to another server, or to keep a local copy of your files. You cannot restore full backups through your cPanel interface."
If you have done previous backups but have not yet downloaded them from the web host server, you will find the backup information listed in your home directory. This arises because I first backup to the home directory on the web host server, though you have the option of a direct link to your remote FTP server. Simply click on "Generate backup" and ensure you have your email address slotted in the space provided, so that you can be notified when the backup process is completed.
If like I do, you first backup in the home directory of your hosting account, you need to follow up by using a data transfer tool such as "FTP client", to now download from your home directory on your web host server to your intended local destination i.e. your computer hard drive, a compact disk or a flash drive.
The website backup process using HostGator control panel is as simple as that.
Dele Ojewumi is an affiliate marketer and the webmaster of Profitable Business Ideas [http://www.homebiz-supermarket.com/profitable-business-ideas/] where you can find home business ideas and opportunities. He is also an Economist and Chartered Accountant.
View this resource ==> best web hosting service [http:///...web-hosting-service/], for a better appreciation of HostGator services.
