Hi, I'm based in the UK and we're having a humdinger of an economic crisis at the moment. Got me wondering what I should do to ensure I can retrieve a copy of my website if my web developer goes under. Should I ask the web developer for a backup copy of the files, or is there another way of doing this?
If you have access to the FTP and the Database: Every few days I log in and save it manually to my local disc (raid 1 makes it even better ). I export the database < 3 minutes with download (also, the web host keeps an automatic backup for every day a week back.) I start an FTP download with TC < 1 minute to start and downloads itself in 50-60 minutes If you do not have access to these functions you are quite struck with the backup. You can only rely in your web space provider (host) or website developer... The three ultimate secrets for less job is: SAVE SAVE SAVE !!! Cheers,
Thanks ARTidas - do you think I should ask the web developer for say a backup of all the website files on a DVD for me, at the very least. Even if they only do this say every 6 months. I only have a brochure website so no big databases or anything in my case?
Hi, Yes, I suppose You have to have backup your site. It will help you in the future. You can restore your site anytime. ARTidas If you have SSH access you can pack your files in archive and download. It will save your time.
There are some software products which allows to put a schedule to make backup of sql database regularly,on your computer.
If you have a website management software like cPanel or Plesk, you can download a backup of your site using this method. Additionally, you can download all of the files from your public_html folder and manually download any databases that you have. This can suffice as a backup just fine! I backup my site like this all the time and I compress the files using .7z LMZA compression with an AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, I also have an offsite backup once a week. Hope this helps!
Buy a pendrive/flashdisc for backup purposes and you can use it in the future for the next backups... Just try not loosing it Cheers,
@ Inbhir, yes, ask your web developer for a backup. And don't let them charge you anything for it. It will take them AT MOST 10 minutes to make a backup. Since it's just a "brochure site" (no forums, no database etc), it will be very very easy to reinstate if it ever goes down. It sounds like you're worried about your web developer disappearing.... You should have the passwords etc for your domain management, in case you need to change hosting in the future. Your domain management password and a backup of your site is all you need to be safe from vanishing web developers.
you need to ask for it to your web developer as i don't think you'll have access to FTP(file transfer protocol). and yes you should keep a back up of your website.
Your concerns are very valid and often overlooked by site owners. If your site is static, you should be able to log in to your ftp site, get the address, user name and password. Log on and simply copy all the files to your computer. If your site is dynamic （uses php, wordpress etc) you will also need to back up your databases, see if your control panel has a phpBB interface, if so there is a backup button, again save these to your computer. This might also be a good time to find out if you are the rightful owner of your site by doing a whois on your domain, good luck and PM me if there is anything you don't understand.