external HDD for backup, ideas

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b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#57296 8-Feb-2010 21:24

hi guys, i was looking at buying a MYBOOk from western digital (studio 2 edition) 2tb for my backup.
sadly this would set me back like $400 - $600
im thinking, would it be better to buy an internal drive for $200 and have it sitting inside my case as a backup. so like, an external backup just sitting in the case.
obviously by connecting with esata id have faster speeds also for my backup times.
is this a good idea? or do you have another suggestion?
thanks
ps: im trying to achieve a daily backup solution the automatically backs up all my changes.
thanks

Regs

4066 posts

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Snowflake

#297212 8-Feb-2010 21:40

how much data are you backing up each day - i.e. how much is changing? You might find that an online backup service is a better option which gives you far greater redundancy, offsite etc. Many services come with special software that only sends the daily changes so you only have to send each file once.

of course if you're planning on backing up your DVD collection then perhaps it would be a better idea to get an external drive.

if you want to save some money you can always buy the HDD and the case seperately and put it together yourself. The mybooks and other prebuilt ones usually come with one-click backup software though so may be worth it (i've not used the software so dont know)

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askelon

879 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#297215 8-Feb-2010 21:46

Are you wanting to protect against data damage or theft etc? Should always have an offsite backup somewhere if its important.. Ideally you should have multipule backups on different media just in case. If your wanting something internal but easily removable take a look at something like http://www.techstarnz.com/prod... .. I have one (admittedly I dont use it though - ran out of SATA ports!!).. I used to use it to swap between all my backup drives which admittedly sit on my desk next to the comp! :D..

For a good incremental backup program check out cobian backup - I use it for alot of customers. Its quick, reliable and easy to use.. http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian...

paradoxsm

3000 posts

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#297258 8-Feb-2010 23:05

I bought that backup drive (the one with no display) and had mixed feelings.

Nice and quick for a USB device and of course, a very large capacity.
But horrible casing, it would easily tip over if even breathed on.
The usb module uses a virtual SCSI driver for the main drive volume and has a "virtual CD" as the default USB mass-storage drive which contained the backup software and drivers.

I ended up buying a "returned" 1TB elements one for $99 and put that drive in my PC put the 2TB drive (after reformatting and partitioning) in the much sleeker, nicer metal sit-flat case of the elements.

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#297274 9-Feb-2010 06:18

im basically backing up against hard drive failure, because i have a raid 0 array.
i already have a backup on a 1tb harddrive that i do every now and then.
so far a have about 400gb of data so if i went online to backup telecom would kill me.
regs the mybooks have awesome software, hopefully somewhere i can find a free version of something similar

paradoxsm

3000 posts

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Trusted

#297366 9-Feb-2010 13:08

I must try the backup software with these other drives, I did grab it off it prior to the shredding process.

I'll update here if It works.

I also got the ROM for the chip today, INITIO 1607, external mask rom, hopefully I can find a "generic" to upload to it or just decompile/recompile though the "meters" and the like will probably stop working, no huge loss.

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#297426 9-Feb-2010 17:01

sweet, ill be really interested in hearing about the software.
im still hunting for some easy to use auto backup software.