Stephen Harrison 🗓️ Updated ⏱️ — 📝 —


3 2 1 Backup Rule

The 3 2 1 backup rule is the simplest, most reliable way to protect your files from accidental deletion, device failure, ransomware, or theft. The idea is straightforward: keep 3 copies of your important data, stored on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy kept off-site (such as cloud storage or a drive stored elsewhere).

On this page, you’ll learn what each part means in plain English, see real-world examples for Windows, Mac, phones and family photos, and follow a quick checklist so you can set up a backup routine that actually works — and restores when you need it


3 2 1 Backup Rule — Storage & Backup Planner

Work out how much space you need, then generate a simple backup plan (recommended: 3-2-1). Runs locally in your browser.

Privacy: local-only Output: drive sizes + checklist Tip: round up (future growth)

1) What are you protecting?

Theme: “I don’t want to lose my important files.”
Action: estimate your data + pick a backup style.
Outcome: recommended storage + a clear checklist.
Photos
Amount
Unit
Videos
Amount
Unit
Documents
Amount
Unit
Other
Amount
Unit
💡
Quick estimate tip: check your main folders (Pictures/Videos/Documents) and copy the sizes here. If unsure, round up.
Leave blank if unsure — we’ll treat it as 0 growth.
Drive purchases last a while — 3 years is a sensible default.
Versioning helps if you overwrite a file or get hit by ransomware.
Covers “stuff happens” (bigger videos, app data, duplicates).
Not sure what counts as a backup?
A backup is a separate copy you can restore from. Syncing alone can copy mistakes too. If you want the plain-English explanation, read: Backup files and folders.

2) Choose your backup style

3 copies • 2 different media • 1 off-site (cloud or a rotated drive kept elsewhere).
Good if you want minimal cloud use. Still keep one drive unplugged most of the time.
Easy day-to-day, plus an external drive for “full restore” safety.
Better than nothing — but not ideal (single point of failure).
We’ll suggest a backup schedule that fits your life.
Encryption protects you if a drive is lost or stolen.
Quick reminder: whatever you pick, try restoring a file once in a while. A backup you can’t restore is just a copy.
Want the background reading? 3-2-1 explained in plain English.

3) Your results

Data today (estimate)
—
—
After 12 months
—
Includes growth + versions + buffer
After 3 years
—
Good target for drive sizing
Recommended purchase size: —
—
Suggested schedule
—
—
Backup style chosen
—
—

Your checklist

Build your plan to generate a checklist…
Privacy: this tool runs locally — we don’t upload your files or store your data. Planner v1.5 • eComputerZ

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