- Dec 1, 2003
- 880
- 1
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What is the best practice when it comes to backup up a server that is a domain controller and a file server for a small office with 20 workstations. Should I even run a file server on a domain controller or is it okay for an office this size?
I have separate partitions and sometimes drives for the OS and data.
This is how I usually plan backups (I've been using Acronis Backup & Recovery but I have mixed feelings about it):
I back up to separate locations and in different ways (files or partition) to have a variety of backup types in case something I'm not aware of goes wrong with one type. I like Acronis because I've been able to do recoveries to different hardware using Universal Restore with success so if the server goes down I can just use any Intel based workstation and recover to it.
Should I also be backing up to the cloud? I hate having to pay monthly for something.
I've been thinking of backing up to an NAS in a separate location using FTP as an alternative to paying for a cloud service. I want to set it up in a way where the NAS is powered off for most of the time and automatically powers on at a scheduled time when the backup will be performed.
The reasoning for this is to protect against cryptovirus attacks. Lets say the entire network is attacked by a cryptovirus and the passwords are compromised so it manages to spread all over the network. It won't get to the NAS because its powered off most of the time so the chances of everything getting encrypted are slim.
What do you think of this idea and what do you recommend as best practices for backing up a AD controller and file server in a small network.
Also, what are the advantages of using an NAS instead of a dedicated hard disk in the server? The NAS is a separate device so if there is some catastrophic event like a server power supply blowing out and taking all the hardware with it the data stored on an NAS won't be affected.
Also, is it a common practice to run bi-annual recovery drills or something similar to make sure the recovery procedure is working as expected?
Please advise. Thanks.
I have separate partitions and sometimes drives for the OS and data.
This is how I usually plan backups (I've been using Acronis Backup & Recovery but I have mixed feelings about it):
Monthly - Full backup of System drive partition to NAS
Monthly - Full backup of Data drive partition to NAS
Daily - Differential backup of Data drive partition to NAS
Hourly - Incremental backup of Data drive partition to NAS
Daily - Full backup of files on Data partition to dedicated SSD in server
Hourly - Incremental backup of files on Data partition to dedicated SSD in server
I back up to separate locations and in different ways (files or partition) to have a variety of backup types in case something I'm not aware of goes wrong with one type. I like Acronis because I've been able to do recoveries to different hardware using Universal Restore with success so if the server goes down I can just use any Intel based workstation and recover to it.
Should I also be backing up to the cloud? I hate having to pay monthly for something.
I've been thinking of backing up to an NAS in a separate location using FTP as an alternative to paying for a cloud service. I want to set it up in a way where the NAS is powered off for most of the time and automatically powers on at a scheduled time when the backup will be performed.
The reasoning for this is to protect against cryptovirus attacks. Lets say the entire network is attacked by a cryptovirus and the passwords are compromised so it manages to spread all over the network. It won't get to the NAS because its powered off most of the time so the chances of everything getting encrypted are slim.
What do you think of this idea and what do you recommend as best practices for backing up a AD controller and file server in a small network.
Also, what are the advantages of using an NAS instead of a dedicated hard disk in the server? The NAS is a separate device so if there is some catastrophic event like a server power supply blowing out and taking all the hardware with it the data stored on an NAS won't be affected.
Also, is it a common practice to run bi-annual recovery drills or something similar to make sure the recovery procedure is working as expected?
Please advise. Thanks.