Online/offsite backups

[dan filipi]

Of course the last thing we think about is backing up our computer, right?

Well I use my computer for business as well as backing up the forums and database.

I know it's only a matter of time before a hard drive fails and I'll have to reinstall Windows. I seem to burn through hard drives.
I have separate hard drives for media and forum backups but it's all the stuff that's installed on the C drive and what I download to the computer needs backup.

I've tried out several different programs for this including Windows backup, imaging the drive etc.
The last few days I've been trying out Carbonite online backup.
I really like how it backs up everything on the computer in real time and the ease of control adding and excluding stuff being backed up.

It does seem very thorough and secure with good encryption although it is a bit slow.

I'm in the trial version of Carbonite until Jan 23rd before I have to pay the year at a measly $60 for unlimited storage.
It's a great deal, haven't found any others that come close to this price for unlimited storage.

Anybody here using Carbonite or another online service they like?

 

[MarkB]

Call me paranoid, but I have issues with putting my stuff out there like that. Not that I have anything to hide, but anytime you put your personal stuff out in a public thing like that, it seems like it’s easier yet for somebody to get into it.

It seems like a cool deal, though, I have to admit. I guess you can count me in the wait and see crowd.

I don’t have that much crap to store and I keep anything I don’t want to lose on an external hard drive. I know there is still the possibility of losing stuff, but it’s what I have.

Mark

 

[mcgovern61]

I have my system setup that the only software on the C drive is the programs. All data is stored on other drives (or server) located elsewhere. The C drive is then imaged seperately in the event of when the hard drive fails.

I take a new HD, format it, run the image, back in business. The data is never affected. I keep my data on a 1K gig drive that is synchonized with an external drive. I can take the external drive and plug it into any computer that has the programs needed and run the software and be back in business (from anywhere) in minutes. This system has worked for me for nearly 10 years with multiple hard drive failures over the years and never lose the data.

 

[dan filipi]

According to carbonite the data is encrypted before leaving my computer but I've also zipped and encrypted sensitive files before the transfer so from what I've researched its pretty safe. Of course there's always a possibility someone can crack it open.

My main concern with having backups onsite is theft or fire.
There's another program I just read about called crashplan which does encrypted transfers to an offsite computer like at a friends place, my inlaws computer would be an option. Crashplan is supposedly free.
I need the set it and forget options, imaging has to be done manually doesn't it?

 

[mcgovern61]

According to carbonite the data is encrypted before leaving my computer but I've also zipped and encrypted sensitive files before the transfer so from what I've researched its pretty safe. Of course there's always a possibility someone can crack it open.

My main concern with having backups onsite is theft or fire.
There's another program I just read about called crashplan which does encrypted transfers to an offsite computer like at a friends place, my inlaws computer would be an option. Crashplan is supposedly free.
I need the set it and forget options, imaging has to be done manually doesn't it?

Yes imaging is manual, but I only do an image after all software is installed and updated. After the image is made, I always assume that when it is used to rebuild a drive, I will have minor updates afterwards. However, the external drive is portable and I take it with me whenever I leave the building protecing against theft, flood and fire.

 

[slabghost]

I've read / heard good things about carbonite. As I understand it Your entire account and identity is encrypted. Although it may be possible to break the encryption . There are hundreds of thousands of accounts to wade through to target any one individual.

 

[AApple]

We use carbonite here at the shop, to back-up all of our customer data...names, addresses, VIN numbers, etc. Seems to be the hot ticket.

 

[Omega Man]

Have you considered a Solid State Drive(SSD)? Wicked fast and dependable? Here's a linky https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd ... ,2923.html

They are pricey, but....did we talk about this before? :nea:

~O~

 

[dan filipi]

Yeah an SSD is my next purchase for a boot disk on this machine, just a matter of time til the raptor dies.

Hey Gerry, I found this program can do live imaging to an external from within windows.
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Nice price :mrgreen:

 

[mcgovern61]

Yeah an SSD is my next purchase for a boot disk on this machine, just a matter of time til the raptor dies.

Hey Gerry, I found this program can do live imaging to an external from within windows.
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Nice price :mrgreen:

I like the price...but I am often afraid of FREE....I have found that there is often no such thing as free!