Back up, back up, back up

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You have to backup your files. You've probably heard that warning since the first day you touched a keyboard. But how do you back-up your website?

If we've installed your website using either Wordpress or Joomla, you have what is called a "database-driven" site. Simply described, your website consists of two components: A database that contains all your content and an application that extracts the data and pours it onto your pages. Both of these components need to be backed up.

For Joomla, we've successfully tested, installed, and frequently used a great free component called AkeebaBackup. Install this extension in the usual fashion in Joomla's administrator control panel, let it run its self-configuration, and then click the backup button. Akeeba backs up both the web files and the database and saves the backup archive on your web server.

If you can use an FTP program, restoring the backup is almost as easy. Place the file into an empty file directory along with Akeeba's Kickstart.php application, and run it with a web browser. The Kickstart program runs a step-by-step process that installs and restores your complete website in less than fifteen minutes. We've also found Akeeba useful for migrating entire Joomla installations from one server to another.

Because Akeeba archives your entire site, you do need to be mindful of any file quotas your web hosting account might impose. Also, Akeeba, by itself, does not download the archive to your computer. You will have to use FTP to access the file and download it.

If you've never used an FTP program, then we stand ready to help you restore a damaged site or to migrate it to a new web host. Just be sure to get into the habit of backing up before you find yourself wishing you had.