Backup suggestions?

[cyclone3d]

Since I am going to start using my computer for stuff that I will definitely not want to lose I want to get some backup suggestions.

I will already be backing up with an online service... probably AltDrive since we already use that on another computer, but would also like to have a local backup as well.

I could just install another large drive in my other computer, back up to there, and then not have to upgrade my AltDrive account. That would cover both in one. In which case, any recommendations for automatic network backup software?

That would definitely be the cheapest solution. Is there anything better that I should be doing?

 

[bigddybn]

If you are running Win8 then just use file history and make sure the data you are worried about is in either stored in one of the library folders (documents, etc) or that the folder you are using is added to an existing library.

It's free, already built in and works like a champ. If your computer takes a shit the backup archives don't require any special software to access your files either. Just drop the drive into another machine or a USB reader and pull what you need.

Your post wasn't totally clear but I would keep an offsite backup plan active though. Not sure what your data is but shit happens that takes out local backups with it. If your livelihood depends on access to these files then the offsite backup subscription is cheap insurance. If adding the drive to that second computer also means that drive will be backed up then it sounds like you've got it pretty well covered.

I keep all of my important junk in a dropbox folder that resides inside of a onedrive directory. My windows desktop backs up to a local fileserver using filehistory. My macbook backs up there as well using time machine. I figure that's 4 copies of any given file at any one time and it really doesn't require extra effort from me.

 

[cyclone3d]

AltDrive is the offsite backup. I will be keeping that active.

Thanks for the File History info.

Ok, so here is my current idea.

I just made a new library folder and mapped the folder I want to use File History on. I'll set that up to use a local drive. I'll add folders to that library as needed.

Then I am going to use a file backup program/file syncing program to backup the files to a drive on my other computer. From there it will back them up offsite to AltDrive.

Any suggestions for free software that does automatic backups more than once a day (Crashplan only does once per day). Incremental backups would be ideal.

 

[rive22]

Super Flexible File Synchronizer Pro is pretty capable, and in-depth.

 

[cyclone3d]

Going to go ahead and try out Cobian Backup to back up the files to my other computer. Looks like the current version does everything I want.

 

[Deleted member 126051]

Usually I recommend a 3 or 4 layer backup:

3 Layer:
Your original copy
A network/USB/NAS drive
Online Backup

4 Layer:
Your original copy
A backup drive on your system
A USB/Network/NAS drive
Online backup

The second has the added bonus of reducing I/O load on your primary drive(s) as you go from the backup drive to the USB/Network/NAS instead of consuming OS disk resources during network dumps.

 

[cyclone3d]

Ok, so I have it set up like this.

1. Files that will be needing to be backup up are not on my OS drive
2. Folder(s) are mapped to the Windows Library.
3. File History is being used to backup and keep multiple versions on a local drive.
4. Cobian Backup is running a scheduled incremental backup to my other computer
5. Other computer is backing up to the cloud.