Another software update to Apple’s latest iOS for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is almost here, 17th September 2014, and although upgrading is usually straightforward it is a really good idea to backup your device first. In fact I highly recommend it.

I backup using iCloud which is invaluable but restoring all the data and apps I have can take a very long time as it has to download it over the internet. I really should consider a clear out even though I’ve just done one. I could download all the photos I’ve taken using image capture, click here to see how to use image capture, or iPhoto and then free up some space for those images I really don’t need to hand.

For these occasions though I do a backup to my computer as I can restore a lot faster from there should something go wrong.

So if you’re planning on upgrading, and there are usually benefits to doing so, make sure you have backed up your iOS device. I have been using the beta version if iOS 8 and have to say there are some features I do like. More about that soon.