does anyone have a separate backup server?

[vrbaba]

I am looking into possiblity of a separate backup server, that preferably hooks to a router, and backs up multiple computers??

Seems like I need to build a minimum system with as much HDD as possible?? But doing a backup over the lan might get wayy too slow?

How good are softwares for this stuff?

To give you an idea, one server needing to backup 3 windows machine, 2 desktops and 1 laptop.

Can someone point me to any professional retail solutions for reference?

 

[MDE]

You'll probably want to look into gigabit LAN equipment.

 

[boomerang]

You're not really giving enough information to give an "on target" answer but.........

I'd say your thinking is sound as far as the backup PC goes. Enough HD space and network connectivity is what you need.

You could do it on the cheap with a Windows OS and this software. I've got this running at my wife's office backing up to DVD. Stagger and schedule your backups during off hours and the potential of a network bottleneck is a non-issue.

Once again, I don't know your particulars.

You'd probably get a better response in the Networking forum.

 

[Slowlearner]

May I refer you to www.mirra.com and their offerings, which I havent used and therefore in no position to recommend, would seem to be what you have in mind.

What I prefer is a Linux box, with your choice of linux distro - say Fedore Core 2 - and Karen's Replicator (www.karenware.com) on the PCs that need to backed up.

 

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
May I refer you to www.mirra.com and their offerings, which I havent used and therefore in no position to recommend, would seem to be what you have in mind.

What I prefer is a Linux box, with your choice of linux distro - say Fedore Core 2 - and Karen's Replicator (www.karenware.com) on the PCs that need to backed up.

the mirra looks neat. But im still yet to understand how is that different from me building the desktop and putting their software on it. I mean, isnt it just the price of the software that im pretty much paying for?? (besides setting up my own hardware).

 

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: boomerang
You're not really giving enough information to give an "on target" answer but.........

I'd say your thinking is sound as far as the backup PC goes. Enough HD space and network connectivity is what you need.

You could do it on the cheap with a Windows OS and this software. I've got this running at my wife's office backing up to DVD. Stagger and schedule your backups during off hours and the potential of a network bottleneck is a non-issue.

Once again, I don't know your particulars.

You'd probably get a better response in the Networking forum.

Yeah, i know... Truth is im not sure what I exactly want, however, I want to be able to restore my primary drive if my computer crashes. I think buying the right software is the key. I can build a cheap box with enough HD space. im leaning towards linux cus of its stability.
Also, right now, im running a webserver off my windows machine, and tempted to put that on to that box too along with a file serevr. So I guess that changes a few things, but im getting greedy. maybe i shouldnt 😛
Does anyone know of a software that can back up multiple PCs, and keep it synchronized continuously (mirra does that, but i dont wanna spend 400 in the total package) ? The 'BackUp My PC' software works, but not sure how efficient it is and dont think it syncs in real time. Also, possibly need a linux version of what ever software u recommend, if i go linux.
thanks!