Automated Backups, NAS's, etc.

IVB

IVB

Senior Member
In a further attempt to reduce power, I'm contemplating ditching my RAID1, putting it onto my RAID5, and doing an automated daily/weekly backup to a different PC entirely. Anyone do that? What tool do you use for that automation?

the other thought is to get a 2-bay enclosure NAS, sticking the drives in there. I could then downgrade the PC to an Intel Little Valley, 20W pc. Not sure how much power i'd save, though.
 
All depends on what you are backing up, but I use Genie Backup Manager Pro for file based backups (supports burning to dvd, uploading to ftp etc), and Acronis TrueImage for drive based backups.
 
Just a crapload of files (80GB). Which brings to mind - are there any programs that will only copy files that have changed, or will they always copy all 80GB of files?
 
i've been using cobian backup ( http://www.cobian.se )

also, search for backup on http://www.lifehacker.com - they always talk about different backup tools

on the power saving front, i migrated my 6 year old public webserver to an overclocked linksys nslu2 (slug) with a usb stick running openslug (using only about 5 watts vs 50 watts). it also does some firewalling and proxying. cool little device. i even have an edgeport serial to usb converter running on it and plan to get another slug to make into a simple home controller to monitor our other (currently non-automated) house.
 
I also use Acronis TrueImage- it does incrementals, and the new version (don't have it yet) is supposed to manage the amount of disk space or number of copies. I think it also includes migration utilities.
 
IVB said:
Just a crapload of files (80GB). Which brings to mind - are there any programs that will only copy files that have changed, or will they always copy all 80GB of files?
Click to expand...

I also use Acronis Trueimage. Yes, it will do incremental and differential (a subtle difference) - my machine does an incremental daily to an external USB HD. The first day is a complete backup. Each day therafter is incremental.
 
Super Flexible File Synchronizer (SFFS). Sill name, but is cheap and works great. We actually use it for a development server at work. Also, if you use XP, there is a free file synch tool called Synctoy. It is part of the XP power toys.

You can download the latest beta version free from MS here:

http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/synctoybeta.aspx

Or search their site for version 1.4.

SFFS is much more powerful though.
 
I use a program called dir sync for my backups. It does a ton of variations of syncing and has been bullet proof for years (it only copies what has changed and has options for two way syncing). I think it was 20 bucks. It was a mode where the program can act as a server and all of the dir syncs on the network can be remotely controlled. I just started using this and it is very slick for maintaining the PC's around here.

I have a couple of IOMega 500GB Home Network NAS drives that I use for backup. The NAS drives were $115 a piece new at Frys. They are not very fast (no hard numbers for you) but my backups all happen in the middle of the night so I could care less. In sleep mode they draw 5W each, according to my kill-a-watt meter.

I've been happy with this combination for backing up pictures and music.
 
Sacedog said:
Super Flexible File Synchronizer (SFFS). Sill name, but is cheap and works great. We actually use it for a development server at work. Also, if you use XP, there is a free file synch tool called Synctoy. It is part of the XP power toys.

You can download the latest beta version free from MS here:

http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/synctoybeta.aspx

Or search their site for version 1.4.

SFFS is much more powerful though.
Click to expand...


I use SyncToy everyday to manage data on my USB thumb drive it works well.
 
TCassio said:
I use Windows Home Server. Best thing I ever did.
Click to expand...
Ditto. Very simple, and I run TVersity, an XM Streamer, etc on it - and using Foldershare, I keep it and my home computers in sync with critical files at my office. It's small and low-cost, low-power - and you can run other simple apps on it as well.
 
SyncBackupSE and a ReadyNAS NV+ for me.
You can get a free version SyncBackup but the SE version includes a lic to run it on 5 machines. I used to run Corbian but had problems with it and some others when trying to run under Vista.

The ReadyNAS NV+ , when run a flexraid allows you to add disks or increase disk sizes at will without rebuilding the array, it also supports a number of different access/streaming protocols. A feature I also use is the ability to sync to an external (USB) drive that can then be taken offsite.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top