Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music: Backup Files

Keeping backup versions of your files

Get in the habit of saving versions of your files, so that you can always go back to an earlier stage of the project if your current version should become corrupted. (It happens.) Below is a procedure I use.

If you haven't yet created the file(s) you want to work with, do so now within whatever program you're using.
Let's say your file is called "myfile," just for illustration here. In the Finder (the Desktop area of the Mac), select "myfile." Choose Duplicate from the File menu. This creates a file called "myfile copy."
Continue working with "myfile", NOT "myfile copy"! Save frequently.
Now and then, switch out of your program to the Finder; select "myfile"; and choose Duplicate. After a while, the contents of your folder will look like this:
"myfile"
"myfile copy"
"myfile copy 2"
"myfile copy 3"
[etc...]
"myfile" is the current version; "myfile copy" is the oldest version; "myfile copy 2" is the next to oldest version; "myfile copy 3" is more recent; and so on.

So you always work with the file called "myfile," not with any of the "copy" versions. As you work, you duplicate "myfile" to capture it at different stages. The Finder automatically assigns the appropriate Arabic numeral.

Before leaving the computer, be sure to copy the latest version of "myfile" to the Music Server. To be really safe, keep a second backup copy, on different media, such as a USB flash drive. You might also want to save the intermediate file versions.

When starting to work, always copy your project from the server to the Desktop, and then disconnect from the server (drag the server disk icon to the trash can). This becomes especially important when you work with audio files in Digital Performer. Failing to do so is the root cause of about 50% of the problems people have with Digital Performer audio.