Recommended backup

[Craig234]

So, I should back up some basic data, not large in size - megabytes really but say a few gig.

There are lots of options, like an external or additional hard drive.

But an online system, point to directories/files and say 'keep that backed up', seems attractive.

The question would be sorting through the offerings to find something easy to use and inexpensive (for small amounts aren't some even free).

There are definitely free storage options, but they might not have the easy to use interface of 'keep these things backed up', just storing what you put there instead.

So, any sites recommended for this?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Would this be your one and only backup?

If so, you've got considerably more nerve than I do to consider online for the only backup.

 

[showb1z]

What you're describing sounds exactly like Onedrive.

 

[MustISO]

I believe Mozy offers a free account that is like 2GB of storage. CrashPlan allows you to back up locally and to another PC for free with their software. For a small amount of data I would just use a flash drive and cheap online storage.

 

[Charlie98]

For a small amount of data I would just use a flash drive and cheap online storage.

This, pretty much. I'm not a big 'cloud storage' guy, I like having control of my data, much of which is proprietary customer data, so I feel I have an obligation to keep it secure and not let it fly around out there. To that end, depending on your total amount of storage, 3 flash drives or suitable USB portable drives (or combination thereof) used in rotation would work well. Maybe have 1 portable hooked up all the time running daily backups (using Acronis or something) and swapping thumb drives around each week or so.

 

[Craig234]

Thanks for the responses. I'll check on those. Thing with flash drives is the need for manual activity - add a file to a directory, recreate the whole backup to add it?

 

[Charlie98]

There is also incremental backups, that just updates the files that are already there, running in the background. When I bought my first Seagate portable HDD, it came with backup software that worked pretty well. I was a computer noob back then, knowing now what I didn't know then, it was probably the best backup system I could have had with my limited knowledge.

 

[denis280]

This, pretty much. I'm not a big 'cloud storage' guy, I like having control of my data, much of which is proprietary customer data, so I feel I have an obligation to keep it secure and not let it fly around out there. To that end, depending on your total amount of storage, 3 flash drives or suitable USB portable drives (or combination thereof) used in rotation would work well. Maybe have 1 portable hooked up all the time running daily backups (using Acronis or something) and swapping thumb drives around each week or so.

Agree:thumbsup: I use flash drives for my stuff

 

[doug]

Crashplan is worth looking into. It is a backup solution that works cross platform and can be used for free in some cases.

You can pay to backup to their cloud service, including using a method where your information is encrypted before it is sent to them so only you have access.

Alternatively you can set up backup with someone you know for free.

Backups should follow the 3-2-1 rule
- 3 copies of anything you care about - Two isn't enough if it's important.
- 2 different formats - Example: Dropbox+DVDs or Hard Drive+Memory Stick or CD+Crash Plan, or more
- 1 off-site backup - If the house burns down, how will you get your memories back?

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/TheComputerBackupRuleOfThree.aspx