File Back Up System for long term storage
I'm wondering how you all back up your data on your computers. I currently use icloud and Google Drive as redundant cloud storage for pictures and videos...and... I recently lost some videos on t...
Forum Discussion
I've always considered a backup to mean at least 2 copies exist. If one is lost, then a second needs to be created without delay.
If only one copy exist, then I would consider it an archive, and would look more toward high quality optical disc storage such as DVD/BDR. They do make archive discs specifically for this purpose, though more expensive than regular DVD/BDR. I would stay away from from relying on HD, SSD, cloud storage for archiving. These are more than fine for backup purposes.
Personally, I would setup an automated backup system. One you don't even have to think about. I can't tell you how many times this has saved me. From a failed HD, I was back up and running in 10 minutes. To files deleted or corrupted which were restored in minutes.
I tend to use a combo of system image backups, and two times daily automated backups of key files or libraries such as My documents and My photos. I keep these encrypted on both the source and backup drives. So when logged off my user account, no one has access to these even if the computer is being used. Not even if my user account has been breached. As in a lost or stolen notebook or PC. My personal files would be nearly impossible to access.
For key critical files that require immediate backups, I setup backup upon change detected. But these tend to be limited to a few key folders.
All my backup software is available as open source or freeware, and have never had a restore issue when needed. However, not all open source backup apps are intuitive, and may require some work to learn. Whereas paid versions tend to be more user friendly.
If only one copy exist, then I would consider it an archive, and would look more toward high quality optical disc storage such as DVD/BDR. They do make archive discs specifically for this purpose, though more expensive than regular DVD/BDR. I would stay away from from relying on HD, SSD, cloud storage for archiving. These are more than fine for backup purposes.
Personally, I would setup an automated backup system. One you don't even have to think about. I can't tell you how many times this has saved me. From a failed HD, I was back up and running in 10 minutes. To files deleted or corrupted which were restored in minutes.
I tend to use a combo of system image backups, and two times daily automated backups of key files or libraries such as My documents and My photos. I keep these encrypted on both the source and backup drives. So when logged off my user account, no one has access to these even if the computer is being used. Not even if my user account has been breached. As in a lost or stolen notebook or PC. My personal files would be nearly impossible to access.
For key critical files that require immediate backups, I setup backup upon change detected. But these tend to be limited to a few key folders.
All my backup software is available as open source or freeware, and have never had a restore issue when needed. However, not all open source backup apps are intuitive, and may require some work to learn. Whereas paid versions tend to be more user friendly.
