Backing up computer

aslakson wrote:
I use Macrium Reflect to clone the PC hard drive(s). Windows has some builtin backup and recovery stuff as well, but I've not used it. For backup of critical files to the "cloud" I use Carbonite.

al

I use Marcium as well. I do an image every three days and alternate between two external HDD's. I use SyncBack Free for daily backups of my data to a third HDD alternating between it and a flash drive.

Over kill you say, probably but it makes me feel good. Cloud storage is out of the question with a 5 gig cap on data. Besides I have no idea who the cloud service is nor do I trust what they might do with my data.

Acronis True Image and a external 2Tb external USB drive. Keep multiple backups and back up often. You are secure only to the point of your last backup. if your computer crashes and you last backed up a year ago, you have lost a year of data on your computer.

Keep data files on USB thumb drives. Never on a hard drive. Back these up also and if there is anything that is very important make a USB thumb drive copy and put it in your bank vault.

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
Carbonite. Does it seamlessly as you use the computer. Used it for years. You can also download a file or picture on any computer from anywhere in the world.

This is what I use. I like having storage off-site, in case of fire or natural disaster at home. It's about $60/yr buying 3 years at a time.

I also use Dropbox for sharing files with family & friends, plus some other backups. I get 1 TB for $99/yr.

darsben wrote:
Is the OP asking about hardware or software?

Good point? I use both WD 3.5/2.5 USB3 HDs for backup drives. The Free AOMEI Backupper Standard for system image backups. Supports both differential(preferred) and incremental subsequent backups, with option to encrypt them. Plus, is relatively fast.

In addition, My Documents files, Photos, Dropbox, Firefox and Thunderbird profile folders, all of which are encrypted locally, get backed up automatically twice daily using the open source FreeFileSync to a secondary encrypted drive. Also supports versioning, and can be setup to backup immediately upon changes. FreeFileSync has worked great, but may not be as user friendly to many as it basically requires setting up a batch routine file to automate syncing/backup jobs. Though not that difficult.

So, basically, don't have to even think about backups as its done automatically.

I use thumb drives and store them off site.

I prefer Acronis for windows machines and Super duper for Mac ..these programs not only back up data they make a bootable duplicate of your hard drive .. plug it in and boot to it and everything is just where it was when backed up not just the files but the programs Too. If its the same or similar to the one in your computer just swap them and go on.
You really need two copies and the original to be secure ! .. the original on the computer and one in a back up drive on your desk (in case the computer crashes for quick access ) and one kept off property at your work or other famlly members or maybe Carbonite type service .. In case of theft, fire etc.
I also keep thumb drives for Documents, Photos or things I need to carry with me

For Windows server operating systems, the wbadmin utility is quite good at doing backups, where one can restore a file, directory, drive, or whole thing. However, it is severely gutted in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1.

For me, it is a toss-up between Acronis and Macrium for what I'd recommend. I used to swear by Retrospect, but it doesn't seem to support any new Blu-Ray players, and if one doesn't have a CD key for it, it won't restore files.

rk911 wrote:

Gonecamping444 wrote:
What to use to backup your hard drive.

Acronis True Image.

X2 - I make a full disk image followed by daily incremental backups to a 2TB external hard drive. No need to pay over and over again for a cloud subscription service.

Carbonite. It has saved us 3 times. Twice when DW got a virus and I had to reformat her hard drive. Once when I bought a new computer.

With our Macs I use a 1 TB external drive and simply copy important files over. The email app has its own archive utility that creates a backup. I also archive files to DVDs and CDs.