View Full Version : Fastest way to backup files?
Globetrotter
01-06-2009, 08:10 AM
I know this is terrible, but I have never done a full system backup (other than pictures) and I'm getting nervous now!
What's the easiest and fastest way to do this? I tried using Norton but I got to the 8th CD rom and realized that I could be using tons of CD roms to get all the files! I'm thinking an external hard drive, but is there an easy way to do the backups in that case? Or is there a media source that can capture a lot more files per disk than the standard CDroms I am using?
I need something idiot proof :ROTFLMAO:
Kris
WatchingThemGrow
01-06-2009, 08:58 AM
The VERY easiest way...give the task to DH :)
I offer no other help b/c that's how I always back mine up. Sorry!
BeachBum
01-06-2009, 09:23 AM
If you use a PC, check out carbonite.com
It is what the nationally syndicated talk show host, Kim Komando suggests. It is what my DH and my mom use. My husband did loose everything on his computer (thanks Vista) and restored it perfectly using his carbonite files.
infomama
01-06-2009, 12:42 PM
We have all our files backed up on an external hard drive. It's a little smaller than the size of my hand and it doesn't require an external power supply which is nice. I think its 250G and it has LOTS of room. You can make "system restore disk" (not sure if that is what you are doing now) and that will take you back to a baseline but you will loose everything since you made the disks unless you back up onto an external drive or online backup service.
Globetrotter
01-06-2009, 01:10 PM
Dh is an engineer who has zero interest in computers so I get to do all the fun stuff like backups :6:
Carbonite sounds really really interesting to me. hmmmm...
My only concern is if they go bankrupt or close down. then what? As long as they guarantee the service, it sounds wonderful!
Kris
Fairy
01-06-2009, 01:17 PM
I absolutely would not suggest backing up any data from your computer to a third-party site. That means that your stuff becomes possibly the property of that site, and if not, it's at the very least living on their servers. Which are monitored by the people who are hired to babysit the servers. You don't know WHO has access to your stuff. They may say one thing or another, but it's out of your control. Do you really want it there? I would not. Want more of my opinion on that, PM me.
Your best bet is an external hard drive. They run $50 to $180 depending on how big you want it. Great places to get these are Costco and Best Buy. They're worth the investment, and it's not that much money.
However, if you have not so much to back up and want to spend a whole lot less, go get a thumb drive (that's the keychain sized stuff), those are good for, like 3 to 10 GB at most, I think? Those are like twenty bucks.
Unless you're a business, I really urge you not to use external hosting sites to backup your personal files.
I'm diligent about keeping all my work documents, personal documents, pictures, songs, etc. in the My Documents folder. I have a million subfolders, but the MAIN folder is that one. Not my desktop (use a shortcut), not any random c: drive folder, in MY DOCUMENTS.
That way, all I have to do is backup that one folder. Mine is backed up onto a docking station with a built in hard drive. Every time I dock, it backs up.
I also "sync" the photos between my laptop and my husband's using Microsoft's SyncToy when we are on the same network at home or at work. I like to have the photos as many different places as possible! And, he likes having them scroll by as a screen saver. ;)
Everyone once in awhile I'll make a photo DVD for the grandparents and that's nice because they are "offsite", should something devastating happen to our house.
I just started using Carbonite last month and am pumped! If you go through one of the rebates (BigCrumbs?), you get 30% back, so $35 for a whole year! The first backup takes a few days (esp if you have a lot of videos).
I'm getting ready to do a complete restore, so ask me in a few weeks how the recovery goes!
Globetrotter
01-06-2009, 03:56 PM
I like the idea of having the data backed up offsite because we live in an earthquake zone and I always worry about damage to our hard drives. DH was wondering if we can keep a few files off carbonite - is there an option to deselect something? Most of our stuff isn't confidential, barring a few financial documents, so this seems like a good bet for us (plus the main draw is the ease of use).
I will check out the rebates.
Kris
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