So what backup solutions do you use, and why?

[RichUK]

This is for your home PC, not what ever is implemented at your work.

What software do you use? (i use Acronis)

Why? (Becasue i had too many issues with Norton Ghost)

How often? (For me, about once a month "Full backup")

Also anything else you would like to add.

 

[fyleow]

..

 

[corkyg]

I have three PCs at home. For data backup I just use RAID1 arrays. For OS/Program backup, I too use Acronis (TI9). Each computer has at least 2 main HDDs, only one of which is used at a time. The other is a ready-to-go duplicate.

I reclone my drives as soon as there are significant changes - such as Windows updates, software updates, etc. That sort of averages at about every two weeks.

For my main system, I have three drives - two clones in "ready reserve."

My next system will be done by all RAID1 arrays - one for OS/Programs and the other for DATA.

I used to use mobile racks - but it's getting hard to fit them into cases.

And way back when, I once used tape - but that is so clumsy and slow - no longer fits my scenario.

 

[Aluvus]

Nightly backup to a home server via SyncBack, mainly because I needed a way to keep my laptop and desktop in sync that gave me a decent amount of control. More important data is duplicated onto a USB key and/or external hard drive as needed. I burn a CD now and again.

No full image backups, both because of the hassle and because I usually prefer a normal reinstall.

 

[furballi]

Bootit NG (BING) combines drive imaging, partitioning, and bootloader into one 800KB installation ($35). I imaged my OS (900MB C primary active partition) once a month. The pagefile, My Document, i386, and C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Application Data folders are moved to another extended logical partition. The imaging speed is between 1300 and 1500MB/min (A64 3000 @ 2.68GHz with 7200 rpm Seagate HDD).

Why BING? It works with all my custom rigs, including those that are heavily overclocked. It is 100% reliable (been using it off/on since 2001). It has a generous upgrade policy, free from 1.00 to 1.99 (2000 to present...1.7x). It is OS independent...uses BIOS info (no need to constantly patch the software when you add new hardware). It can backup and restore the MBR. There is no need to use a boot disc to restore the image file, even when the OS partition is damaged, because Bootit can be installed in a small 8MB FAT16 primary partition at the end of the HDD.

The software is free for the first 30 days. You can run the program from the boot floppy/CD.

Acronis has turned into bloatware. 75MB download file. There are 1000s of patches on top of patches to fix a poorly coded core engine. If you must image from windows, then try Image for Windows or Drive Snapshot. Both are tiny applications that are quite reliable. You will still need to use a boot disc when restoring to a primary active partition.

When Vista comes along, then you will have to fork over more $ to upgrade Acronis TI. Bootit NG is still FREE. KISS when working with imaging software. The goal is to be able to restore from your image file at ANY TIME. Bootit can verify the image file byte for byte. Acronis cannot do this. That said, I have sufficient faith in Bootit over the years under various platforms that I no longer verify the created image file.

 

[OSX]

How much money are they paying you?

 

[Talcite]

I just use microsoft backup packaged with windows 2000.

Nightly partial backups to a 2.5" notebook drive connected via USB.

Only vital files like work/movies are backed up. OS isn't worth it. 3 hours and I can get the system from blank to full tilt.

 

[GrammatonJP]

Server 1 - 500 GB RAID 1 WD RE2, runs Windows 2003 server with Volume Shadow service.. holds family photos and docs etc..

replicated real time using EMC replistor to a 2nd server using 750GB RAID Barracuda ES
This server is also hook up to a SDLT 320GB tape drive.. weekly full backup and daily increment

 

[nweaver]

tar or ntbackup to my Onstream ADR50 tape drive, but I'm a geek (that is my home rig, at work I have libraries)

 

[furballi]

A lot more than those pushing PIGGY TI9.

Okay noob, do you understand the word BLOATWARE? 75MB download for just a drive imaging software. Can TI9 non-destructively partition a HDD? Can TI9 function as a boot loader with more than four primary partitions? How much are you paying for TI? Can you get a free upgrade when Vista hits the showroom?

The OP ask for a solid imaging software for home application. No BS bells and whistles that must be patched every month. Why doesn't TI include a webpage listing all the changes to each build? After all, most non-beta proggies have a RELEASE NOTE page. Could it be that they don't want folks to know that these patches are just band-aid solutions and not permanent fix to a recurring problem? Experience users DO NOT pay $ for BETAWARE.

We're not looking at AnyDVD or an AV program where there must be frequent updates to be effective. Drive Snapshot, BING, and Image for Windows only have a few updates per year because the software are robust.