Backup advise

[seethoe]

Hi! I'm in great need to find a better way to backup my data. Need all you expertise. I'm using a Athlon64 3000+ on a Asus A8N-SLI mobo. I've the following:
1. Western Digital 120GB HDD SATA in 2 partition. One for OS and program files and the other just data.

2. I've a Coolmaster external HDD with 300GB HDD, USB.

Currently, I do manual backup by copying certain folders from the WD to the External HDD. The External HDD has some datas that the WD does not have (due to size).

Basically the datas are my personal datas and my digital images.

Pls advise on a better solution...thanks.

 

[ch33zw1z]

1. Back up any data to CD or DVD when ever you see fit.
2. Run 1 hard disk for OS
3. Run 2 hard disks in RAID 1 for an immediate hardware backup solution. This will require you to purchase two hard drives, unless you use the hard drive from the USB enclosure for part of the array. According to Asus, you mobo will span the arrays over both SATA and PATA.
4. Use the USB for w/e you want if you choose not to take it out and put it in the array.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: ch33zw1z
1. Back up any data to CD or DVD when ever you see fit.
2. Run 1 hard disk for OS
3. Run 2 hard disks in RAID 1 for an immediate hardware backup solution. This will require you to purchase two hard drives, unless you use the hard drive from the USB enclosure for part of the array. According to Asus, you mobo will span the arrays over both SATA and PATA.
4. Use the USB for w/e you want if you choose not to take it out and put it in the array.

Use a good quality UPS for clean power.
Use good backup software to do incremental backups to the USB HD.

 

[ch33zw1z]

He'll come cryin to us when he loses that one drive

 

[Blain]

My suggestions were in addition to the 4 you offered also.
That's several layers of data security in one thread.

 

[ch33zw1z]

i c, my apologies

 

[TroyEade]

Don't forget that to store a copy of your most important data offsite.

Cheers,

Troy

 

[seethoe]

Currently my WD data is manually backup to the external hdd. would it be good if i'll to get another WD 120GB SATA and mirror the 2 SATA disk and use the external HDD as an offsite backup?

 

[ch33zw1z]

sounds reasonable!

 

[seethoe]

what abt the extra datas that's currently in my external hdd? i can't transfer to the WD 120GB due to lack of space.....i guess i got to buy 2x 300GB SATA HDD to do mirroring and the externall hdd as offsite backup. now wat am i going to do with the 120GB sata hdd....

 

[ch33zw1z]

OS? Temporary data backups(ie music+movie ripping)? pr0n?

 

[seethoe]

good idea, thanks!
one tech question. Mirroring is RAID 0, right? would i face prob when i change mobo later on? I'll be using the onboard NVRaid on the current mobo for the mirroring.

 

[Blain]

"Mirroring" is RAID 1. :shocked:
Please don't try any RAID array until you read up on it more. No, I don't mean simply posting another thread... actually do some reading. Google is a great place to start.

If the data is sensitive, don't use an onboard controller. Instead use a good dedicated RAID card.
1. If the card goes bad, you can get another.
2. If you move to a different PC, you can take the array with you.

 

[seethoe]

thanks for yr advise.

Did some readings on Raid.

would need advise on which software that is reputable for incremental backup for home use? I've come across TaskZip, Eazy-Back-it-up and some others....

 

[RebateMonger]

The free NTBackup program included in XP Pro and available for free for XP Home works just fine. It can do Full, Incremental, etc. backups. It's what I use on many of my Servers.

 

[seethoe]

Thanks! I'll just do that.

 

[Nocturnal]

You may also want to add some additional cooling to your hard drives. I like to have a high RPM blowing fan blowing across all of my hard drive if it's at all possible. I have a P160 case and I have a 74GB Raptor and a 300GB Maxtor, both get extremely hot if there is no active cooling blowing across them. I have installed a 120MM 3100RPM intake fan that blows directly over both drives. It's just another layer of protection to keep your drives from failing.

 

[bob4432]

i would take a look at acronis for easy, scheduled backups. works very well and is very easy to use.