Stop everything. Back up.

About a year ago, my computer began showing its age.

It was sluggish. Unpredictable. Battery life was unreliable.

Once it started crashing without any warning, I knew it was time to invest in a replacement.

I'd left it so long, though, that I couldn't even transfer my own files and settings. My old laptop was finished, and it was not cooperating.

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing that you also have a computer. I’m also going to assume that your writing is saved on it.

Have you backed up lately?

Please: save your files, drafts, and works-in-progress somewhere other than your hard drive. Just in case.

If your computer crashed today, would you be able to restore it easily?

Luckily, I had backed up my data elsewhere.

If you don't already have it, I recommend backing up with Dropbox. It’s an easy, elegant system, and once you set it up, you don’t have to think about it anymore. Also, it’s free. (If you are saving videos, images, and music, you might want to pay to upgrade and get more space, but for documents, the free version should be enough.)

Protect your writing. Think of backing up as another way to show your work your love and respect.

Do it now. Set it up, and then forget about it.

For password protection, I also recommend you start using Dashlane — it keeps your passwords stored, encrypted, and secure. And for your first 6 months, you get a free premium account that checks the dark web to see if any of your passwords have been compromised.

Getting serious about password security is especially important now, as online privacy and security issues continue to amplify.

Okay, public service announcement is over. Strengthen your passwords, and back up your work today.

(And I really hope you never have to use your back ups.)

Photo credit: TimJ on Unsplash

Please note: This blog post contains referral links, and I may earn a commission if you click and sign up. The views expressed are my own: I really do love Dropbox and Dashlane.