Am after suggestions on backup methods

[Jonny Wright]

Note: Was unsure what forum this thread belongs in but thought this was most appropriate.

Hi all,

I am unsure as the best way for me to be backing up my documents. Ideally, I would like all of my data backed up, approx 2TB at the moment, but my critical stuff is only about 100GB, so my main focus is on this.

In the past, I have just written stuff to disk but this is quite a laborious task and also not autonomous. I would ideally like some kind of auto-solution, at least for my critical documents. Had a scare with a drive the other day and decided its time to pull my finger out and setup a proper backup-system.

I have recently bought myself an HP Microserver, currently running Windows 2008 R2, and my main machine, where 99% of my critical documents are stored, is running Win7. I haven't done any kind of research into what Win 2008 has to offer and whether it is any good (I do intend to do some research, just wanted some advice / guidance on what other people use before I get too far into something that is massively overkill / not appropriate). There are so many different options, feedback on tried and tested methods would be great.

For purely storage (Not a system disk), my main machine currently has 1 x 1TB disk and 1 x 2TB disk, the Microserver has 1 x 1TB disk. Obviously this setup isn't ideal and I am planning on changing it (Just waiting on next pay day!).

Any thoughts / suggestions / advice etc would be massively appreciated.

[Hum]

^ I would back-up the critical stuff to Google cloud server, or similar.

Free:

http://www.justcloud.com/

And get at least a 2 terabyte external drive, to back up everything.

suggestion:

http://www.buy.com/p.../217161154.html

Windows 7 has a built-in Back-up files program, automatically.

It also wouldn't hurt to back-up important files by burning them to a DVD.

[Jonny Wright]

Cheers for suggestion. Only thought there is to create an autonomous setup, I would need an external drive plugged in all the time. Also seems a shame to not use the server. I do agree, I should have an "off site" set, be it an external drive or DVD/BR.

I should have really posted my current thoughts in 1st post. Would ideally like an automated backup to the server and automated cloud backup such as Google Drive as you suggested. I will have a look at the built in Windows offering and see how it works.

[Hum]

^ The Windows 7 back-up utility can work on a set schedule -- no need to have a external drive plugged in 24/7.

There is also some free back-up software, you can download from the Net -- that may be more customizable to your liking.

• One Click to Perform a Backup
  
• Configurable Settings
  
• Runs on Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris, and Windows
  
• Supports Multiple Languages
  
• It's Free (No adware, trial versions, or other annoying stuff)
  

http://www.snapbackup.org/