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I currently have most of my important files on a secondary hard drive in my main system. Whenever I feel things have changed enough, or when I have time, I use SyncToy to update new files to a equal sized external hard drive. I am running out of space and would like to step up to something more secure and automated. I shoot and edit lots of photos at times and don't like the risk of losing data (and lots of editing time). I am leaning towards a couple solutions but would like more input.
I'm on a tight budget. I want something with 4+hot-swappable bays. I'd like to have at least 2 drives installed from the beginning, both with the same data in case one fails I will have a perfect backup copy--I'm not sure RAID is the best way to do this. From what I've read WHS might be my best option. However, I don't own it yet. But I do have access to about every version of Server 2003 and 2008; legitimate copies, of course. I know it would be a complete overkill with 2003/2008 but ATM I am comparing the acer Aspire Easystore H340 w/WHS to building a cheap mid-tower, AM3 45W system w/ 2003/2008, the latter being cheaper, more, customizable, has video, etc. But would it be easy enough to accomplish the above with 2003/2008? I also don't have much experience with 2003/2008 and will be studying to get the certifications for them very soon, which is another reason I'd like to put it to one or the other to use.
Besides backing up my every growing data, I would also like to host my website on the server at some point. I also have a couple of other computers on my network that could use semi-regular backups, whether it be scheduled or manually.
I'm on a tight budget. I want something with 4+hot-swappable bays. I'd like to have at least 2 drives installed from the beginning, both with the same data in case one fails I will have a perfect backup copy--I'm not sure RAID is the best way to do this. From what I've read WHS might be my best option. However, I don't own it yet. But I do have access to about every version of Server 2003 and 2008; legitimate copies, of course. I know it would be a complete overkill with 2003/2008 but ATM I am comparing the acer Aspire Easystore H340 w/WHS to building a cheap mid-tower, AM3 45W system w/ 2003/2008, the latter being cheaper, more, customizable, has video, etc. But would it be easy enough to accomplish the above with 2003/2008? I also don't have much experience with 2003/2008 and will be studying to get the certifications for them very soon, which is another reason I'd like to put it to one or the other to use.
Besides backing up my every growing data, I would also like to host my website on the server at some point. I also have a couple of other computers on my network that could use semi-regular backups, whether it be scheduled or manually.
