Best way to do a data backup

[Nereus]

May have been addressed before, but what is the latest? (assuming PC running Windows)

The last edition of Windows Secrets makes a big case for Using Microsoft Cloud. The argument being that once set up it is automatic and seamless. Completely alien to me!

I have a stand alone USB disc drive, but as I cannot see the point of running it continuously, and therefore having it wear out and crash, I tend not to use it. Windows keep nagging about running it, and that means there are going to be gaps before I remember to plug it in. I think it is better to have a completely separate device, but it only works when I remember to plug it in.

So what is considered the best for non-geeks?

[buksida]

Portable USB hard drive is the way to go. Maybe a second if the data is very important.

You're not dependent on third party companies and cloud services that way.

[Khundon1975]

I tend to backup my laptop to a separate 2TB “My Passport” separate hard drive every month.
Also all pictures off my phone go onto it as well. They are cheap enough now and it’s quick and easy to do.
I backup my iPhone and iPad to iTunes as well.
As a backup, backup, I copy all documents and pictures to a thumb drive, anything else I won’t miss if it’s lost.