Time machine type system for windows?

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CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#111600 8-Nov-2012 17:09

I have a client that want to use a time machine type system to back up there office computers.. They are running windows Xp, Vista, 7 and soon to be windows 8.

32 + 64bit systems.

They are networked over wireless N. (I know don't get me started)

Total number of PC’s 5 but we need something that can go out to 10 pc’s.

The thing they like about Time Machine is that 1 it just runs. 2 you can go back to older files.

So what do people recommend?
By the way i don’t want to use a Apple time capsule...

Total data over 4 weeks? 20 to 60GB (they only have ADSL 1)

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Ruphus

465 posts

Ultimate Geek

#714264 8-Nov-2012 17:21

Just thinking a loud but how about Windows Server 2012 Essentials? It can auto backup computers plus some other features.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server-essentials/benefits.aspx

I'm using it at home as a backup/media server and the backups work flawlessly.

freitasm

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#714266 8-Nov-2012 17:22

DSL will have nothing to do with the backup - unless the storage is over the Internet (you did not specify this as a requirement).

Otherwise, get a NAS, load it up with 4 - 6 TB, install Acronis in each PC and let it do the continuous protection to the network.

Since this is wireless, performance will be terrible, in which case I'd suggest get a 3 TB USB HDD for each PC, install Acronis in each one and let it do the continuous protection to the external drive.

CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#714273 8-Nov-2012 17:38

freitasm: DSL will have nothing to do with the backup - unless the storage is over the Internet (you did not specify this as a requirement).

Otherwise, get a NAS, load it up with 4 - 6 TB, install Acronis in each PC and let it do the continuous protection to the network.

Since this is wireless, performance will be terrible, in which case I'd suggest get a 3 TB USB HDD for each PC, install Acronis in each one and let it do the continuous protection to the external drive.

I was thinking that the first thing some one was going to say is "online backup" thats why i said slow adsl..

I think we will need to go to a hard wired network...

Windows server is a little on the costly side for this i think?

Thanks Freitasm, this is the path i was thinking of going down (just different software) and i wanted to see if i had missed some thing new. :)

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Ruphus

465 posts

Ultimate Geek

#714297 8-Nov-2012 18:08

I'm guessing that you aren't running a domain for 5 PCs so the wireless network is just for internet access?

FWIW you could grab a copy of Windows Server 2012 Essentials for a little over $500 plus the cost of a server if you don't have one. Then add low cost storage on top of that. It really depends on what the client is planning down the track. It could be a case of spend more $$ now to save in the future.

The quickest solution would be what freitasm suggested. External HDD attached to each PC with backup software.

CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#714358 8-Nov-2012 19:48

Ruphus: I'm guessing that you aren't running a domain for 5 PCs so the wireless network is just for internet access?

FWIW you could grab a copy of Windows Server 2012 Essentials for a little over $500 plus the cost of a server if you don't have one. Then add low cost storage on top of that. It really depends on what the client is planning down the track. It could be a case of spend more $$ now to save in the future.

The quickest solution would be what freitasm suggested. External HDD attached to each PC with backup software.

My issue is that my client does not know where they are going. They are contracting AG....

The WIFI is only for internet access, they have been talking about a VPN but no one seems to want to commit to it. Its a small office that's just getting bigger.

I don't think I could get them to commit to a server.

I'm still keeping a eye out for some good backup software.

Thanks for all the input :)

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

freitasm

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#714363 8-Nov-2012 19:56

You should seriously consider Acronis. I have occasions in which I needed my laptop restored fast - while overseas a driver update (something I never do while away, but did that time) gone wrong - in 20 minutes I had my laptop restored to what it was before. And not only data files, I'm talking about the whole machine.

My HTPC HDD died - no problem, swapped with a new, bigger HDD. Plugged in a USB key with the Acronis boot, restored from the external HDD and my HTPC was up and running in 30 minutes - because it happened during the day it didn't even miss a recording due later that evening.

File backup only won't cut when you want fast return to working conditions. You need both image and file backup together. Create images every couple of days, and continuous backup - either to the HDD or a server. If you lose a file, you can restore from the previous most recent backup. If you lose the entire machine you can restore the whole thing, then restore the files since the last full image.

Acronis offer image backup and continuous file backup. Very handy.

Dairyxox

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#714418 8-Nov-2012 22:25

You carry around your external backup hard drive, and acronis usb key when your overseas?
Now that is truly committed geekness.

Does the acronis product you use have file revision history?
Most good pc backup software can do incremental backups, its just not as easy.

Recently a friend of mine got the WD My Book Live. The software was kind of simplified so you might not be able to everything imaginable. But it was easy, can do the whole office (gigabit ethernet), is quick, and does auto revisioning for going back 'in time'. Its probably about as close as I've seen to time machine.
http://wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=280

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freitasm

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#714432 8-Nov-2012 22:57

It is a USB key only and a small 2.5 500GB drive. Together not even 300g...