Backup Advice?

[Krane]

I had been typically using my security software to handle and backup my media, but the other day it occurred to me that there might be a better method, or standard or software to do so. Is there? And if so, what method, software, standard, etc. do you use to back up your files?


Also does anyone use the clouds as a backup source?


poll

[tijo]

I run windows live mesh and sync my skydrive, desktop and laptop for the most critical documents. I use Live mesh to sync non critical stuff between the laptop and the desktop as well, stuff that wouldn't fit on the cloud.

I also run windows backup to an external drive whenever i feel like i need a system image.

Finally, i also copy/paste the my documents folder to another external as an extra precaution.

I've used EaseUS todo backup sucessfully in the past, but for some things, i find copy paste or syncing over a network works better.

[JOSEA]

MS Skydrive (7 GIG free) for pics only - and redundancy
Paragon 2012 for notebook images to external hard drive
Encrypted USB stick for userid/passwords and financial data

[DR650SE]

I use Acronis for creating images fairly often. I may get a 2TB external and just set Acronis to do new images each week. After I get my 7970s of course.

[yuyi64]

I use Acronis and image each of my computers at least once a month.

[NotEnoughMinerals]

I do one image after initial setup of all my base programs and then just rely on dropbox to back up important files.

I would do an image more often but windows backup fails to create images when you're using a ramdisk

[DirtyTrickster]

I use a server in raid 1 config. I know it's not a reliable "backup" blah blah blah...but I'm more concerned with drive failure, not human error.

I also use a 1Tb external drive.

Can't replace lost pictures

[Krane]

Ok, one thing I noticed about Windows, its painstakingly slow. Theres also no log off after completion or pause. How unrefined is that? Then again, it comes with the software so how much can you expect.

By the way, would a faster drive (I'm using 5400 RPM) and an eSATA port be worth it? Speed is really not essential since this happens overnight but it's good to know.

[tijo]

Ok, one thing I noticed about Windows, its painstakingly slow. Theres also no log off after completion or pause. How unrefined it that? Then again, it comes with the software so how much can you expect.

By the way, would a faster drive (I'm using 5400 RPM) and an eSATA port be worth it? Speed is really not essential since this happens overnight but it's good to know.

It is faster, i definitely noticed a difference between USB2.0 and USB3.0. I can't really say if the backup was using all the bandwidth though. As you said though, you overnight the backup so whether it is worth it or not really depends on if your are planning to use the drive for something else.