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Hardware and Windows Vista Hardware issues in relation to Windows Vista. (microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices) |
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External backup device
I have a 320GB external harddrive by SimpleTech. I want to use it specifically for backup purposes. How do I continue a regular monthly backup and not worry about exceeding the 320GB capacity. Is it a good idea to leave it plugged in and schedule a monthly backup schedule. As of right now I used it once successfully but I unplugged it until I do another backup. Bottomline, what is the recommended use of external harddrives for backup purposes?
Post Originated from http://www.VistaForums.com Vista Support Forums |
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External backup device
bughaters wrote:
I have a 320GB external harddrive by SimpleTech. I want to use it specifically for backup purposes. How do I continue a regular monthly backup and not worry about exceeding the 320GB capacity. Is it a good idea to leave it plugged in and schedule a monthly backup schedule. As of right now I used it once successfully but I unplugged it until I do another backup. Bottomline, what is the recommended use of external harddrives for backup purposes? Use 'em to make the backup then disconnect 'em. Richie Hardwick |
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External backup device
This depends on what you are wanting from your backups, and how you intend
to respond to computer problems. Consider the following scenarios: 1: Your computer goes up in a cloud of smoke, and your are forced to get a new machine - In this case the only files from your backup that are going to be important are your data files (documents, videos, pictures, MP3s, etc). Your applications being backed up are not going to do you much good, as for the most part you won't be able to restore them to a new computer 2: Your hard drive fails - This is really the only instance where a full backup will be useful to you - as you can put in a replacement drive, and restore the data. 3: You get a virus/malware/software problem, and want to restore to an earier time - The problem here is that you may have picked up the virus two months ago, which is now part of your backup. Same with malware/software problems. 4: You made changes to a document, and decided that you want to revert to an older version. Or you delete a file that you really want back. - If the version of the file you want is not in the monthy backup, you are screwed Most modern backup software do a full system backup the first time they run, and then do incremental backups after that point. The incremental backups only backup things that have changed - so they are very quick and do not take up nearly as much room as the full backup. The incremental backups also allow you to maintain a sort of file versioning - so if you backup nightly, you can revert to an earlier version of that essay you were writing - or restore your machine to any time an incremental backup was taken. I highly suggest you look into a good backup solution, and do nightly backups. "bughaters" wrote in message ... I have a 320GB external harddrive by SimpleTech. I want to use it specifically for backup purposes. How do I continue a regular monthly backup and not worry about exceeding the 320GB capacity. Is it a good idea to leave it plugged in and schedule a monthly backup schedule. As of right now I used it once successfully but I unplugged it until I do another backup. Bottomline, what is the recommended use of external harddrives for backup purposes? Post Originated from http://www.VistaForums.com Vista Support Forums |
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External backup device
"Timothy Davis [MSFT]" wrote:
Use 'em to make the backup then disconnect 'em. Out of curiosity, why do you recommend disconnecting the drive between backups? I would think the answer should be obvious: to limit the possibility of a problem involving a power surge, etc. trashing the backup. I know that possibility is a remote one. Richie Hardwick |
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External backup device
I would think the answer should be obvious: to limit the possibility
of a problem involving a power surge, etc. trashing the backup. I know that possibility is a remote one. Makes sense. I was concerned that there may some other reason I was oblivious to. This woudn't work for me, as I would eventually 'forget' to make my monthly backup - and eventually skip too many backups before the inevitable would occur. |
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External backup device
Thanks for the info. It was helpful. What would a really good back up
solution be for an average computer user like myself. I want to protect the info on my C hardrive in case of computer failure. I can easily save docs etc. on another location but the system stuff is important. What size backup drive would you suggest? Thanks. "Timothy Davis [MSFT]" wrote: This depends on what you are wanting from your backups, and how you intend to respond to computer problems. Consider the following scenarios: 1: Your computer goes up in a cloud of smoke, and your are forced to get a new machine - In this case the only files from your backup that are going to be important are your data files (documents, videos, pictures, MP3s, etc). Your applications being backed up are not going to do you much good, as for the most part you won't be able to restore them to a new computer 2: Your hard drive fails - This is really the only instance where a full backup will be useful to you - as you can put in a replacement drive, and restore the data. 3: You get a virus/malware/software problem, and want to restore to an earier time - The problem here is that you may have picked up the virus two months ago, which is now part of your backup. Same with malware/software problems. 4: You made changes to a document, and decided that you want to revert to an older version. Or you delete a file that you really want back. - If the version of the file you want is not in the monthy backup, you are screwed Most modern backup software do a full system backup the first time they run, and then do incremental backups after that point. The incremental backups only backup things that have changed - so they are very quick and do not take up nearly as much room as the full backup. The incremental backups also allow you to maintain a sort of file versioning - so if you backup nightly, you can revert to an earlier version of that essay you were writing - or restore your machine to any time an incremental backup was taken. I highly suggest you look into a good backup solution, and do nightly backups. "bughaters" wrote in message ... I have a 320GB external harddrive by SimpleTech. I want to use it specifically for backup purposes. How do I continue a regular monthly backup and not worry about exceeding the 320GB capacity. Is it a good idea to leave it plugged in and schedule a monthly backup schedule. As of right now I used it once successfully but I unplugged it until I do another backup. Bottomline, what is the recommended use of external harddrives for backup purposes? Post Originated from http://www.VistaForums.com Vista Support Forums |
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