Backup

A backup (or "back up" when used as a verb) refers to a spare copy of files, a file system, or other resources for use in the event of failure or loss of the original.

Description
The term commonly refers to a copy of the files on a computer's internal drive, made periodically and kept on removable storage devices or media (also called a "dump"). This essential precaution is often neglected by new computer users until the first time they experience a drive crash or accidentally delete the only copy of the file they have been working on extensively. Ideally, the backup copies should be kept at a different site or in a fire safe since, though your hardware may be insured against fire, the data on it is almost certainly not as easily replaced.

Backup of iPods
The iPod/iTunes combination generally transfers music only one way: From the computer to the iPod.

This is not for technical reasons (it's equally easy to transfer the data the other way), but more likely for licensing and digital rights management reasons. It's possible that one or more rights owners insisted on this as a condition of providing their content for the iTunes Music Store.

However, Apple has no obligation to prevent you from backing up your iPod, should you buy 3rd-party software to do so. This software can also be handy for allowing you to synch your iPod at home and at work, though there is still no reliable solution known for this.

Some software you can buy that allows you to backup your iPod in case of disaster include:


 * iGadget from ipodsoft
 * Copypod from Wind solutions
 * Ipod Access from Findley Designs
 * Ipod->Folder, A freeware solution