question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
I smell disaster, and you take the blame. You don't have enough
information, nor do we. You need some sort of local consultant.
If things are already networked you have a chance.
First, identify the files, their types and sizes that need
backing. Binaries are handled differently than text. If you can't
trust backing up to your server then things are pretty poor in your
organization.
--
Chuck F (cbfalconer@yahoo.com) (cbfalconer@worldnet.att.net)
Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
<http://cbfalconer.home.att.net> USE worldnet address!
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option?
<snip>
you need to do *both*
back up to another harddrive *and* burn the data to DVD's
as a matter of fact make several DVD's and store them in different
locations outside of the company
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
In article <42FC1049.184F413E@yahoo.com>, cbfalconer@yahoo.com says...
> newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> >
> > Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
> > came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
> > been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
> > dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
> > who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
> > computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
> > take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
> > up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
> > needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
> > really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
> > or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
> > what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
> > best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
> > information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>
> I smell disaster, and you take the blame.
Take heed of this comment!!
Remember, companies with specialised IT depts sometimes hit trouble over
backing-up. It's very easy to do it wrong. And it's not a one-off --
what you need is not to back-up NOW, but a system in place to keep
backing up.
Do as suggested. Find someone with the technical expertise to know
absolutely what they are doing. And who can take the blame.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
<newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>
> -A Newbie
I think they are being over cautious, modern computers are very reliable,
just tell them you have backed them up to put their minds at rest.
The chances of anything going wrong are a million to one, its not worth
the time and effort.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
On Fri, 12 Aug 2005 14:48:56 GMT, "Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net>
wrote:
>> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
>> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
>> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
>> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
>> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
>> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
>> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
>> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
>> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
>> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
>> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
>> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
>> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
>> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>I think they are being over cautious, modern computers are very reliable,
>just tell them you have backed them up to put their minds at rest.
>The chances of anything going wrong are a million to one, its not worth
>the time and effort.
I would not recommend lying to the person you report to - it could
strain future credibility. And it is not necessary to lie - just get a
Kingwin KF-23 removable bay and some extra trays made for that unit.
Then you can back up over the network.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
"Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:sF2Le.7441$JB4.4852@newsfe6-win.ntli.net...
>
> <newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
>> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place
>> of work, it
>> came to the attention of my boss that none of our
>> sensitive files have
>> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of
>> computers
>> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the
>> few people who
>> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to
>> backup all these
>> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough
>> that it would
>> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer.
>> Also, backing
>> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the
>> information
>> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should
>> I just take a
>> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer
>> into a folder,
>> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other
>> option? Also,
>> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if
>> that is the
>> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this
>> is enough
>> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in
>> advance.
>>
>> -A Newbie
>
> I think they are being over cautious, modern computers are
> very reliable,
> just tell them you have backed them up to put their minds
> at rest.
> The chances of anything going wrong are a million to one,
> its not worth
> the time and effort.
>
This is some really, really bad advice from someone whose
actual knowledge
is far short of what he thinks he knows.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
"Pen" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:TLGdnUREobBuIWHfRVn-ow@adelphia.com...
>
> "Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> news:sF2Le.7441$JB4.4852@newsfe6-win.ntli.net...
> >
> > <newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> > news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
> >> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place
> >> of work, it
> >> came to the attention of my boss that none of our
> >> sensitive files have
> >> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of
> >> computers
> >> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the
> >> few people who
> >> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to
> >> backup all these
> >> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough
> >> that it would
> >> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer.
> >> Also, backing
> >> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the
> >> information
> >> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should
> >> I just take a
> >> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer
> >> into a folder,
> >> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other
> >> option? Also,
> >> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if
> >> that is the
> >> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this
> >> is enough
> >> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in
> >> advance.
> >>
> >> -A Newbie
> >
> > I think they are being over cautious, modern computers are
> > very reliable,
> > just tell them you have backed them up to put their minds
> > at rest.
> > The chances of anything going wrong are a million to one,
> > its not worth
> > the time and effort.
> >
> This is some really, really bad advice from someone whose
> actual knowledge
> is far short of what he thinks he knows.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
"Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:Ha3Le.4363$wh6.310@newsfe2-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Pen" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:TLGdnUREobBuIWHfRVn-ow@adelphia.com...
> >
> > "Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> > news:sF2Le.7441$JB4.4852@newsfe6-win.ntli.net...
> > >
> > > <newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> > > news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
> > >> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place
> > >> of work, it
> > >> came to the attention of my boss that none of our
> > >> sensitive files have
> > >> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of
> > >> computers
> > >> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the
> > >> few people who
> > >> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to
> > >> backup all these
> > >> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough
> > >> that it would
> > >> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer.
> > >> Also, backing
> > >> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the
> > >> information
> > >> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should
> > >> I just take a
> > >> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer
> > >> into a folder,
> > >> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other
> > >> option? Also,
> > >> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if
> > >> that is the
> > >> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this
> > >> is enough
> > >> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in
> > >> advance.
> > >>
> > >> -A Newbie
> > >
> > > I think they are being over cautious, modern computers are
> > > very reliable,
> > > just tell them you have backed them up to put their minds
> > > at rest.
> > > The chances of anything going wrong are a million to one,
> > > its not worth
> > > the time and effort.
> > >
> > This is some really, really bad advice from someone whose
> > actual knowledge
> > is far short of what he thinks he knows.
>
> ;O)
However if you weigh up the cost of the time and effort of all those
back-ups against the remote chance of a failure its probably not
cost effctiive.
How often are you going to be doing those backs-ups?
Ever day? Every week?
Even if you do get a failure the data will almost certaintly be recoverable,
even if the hard drive 'fails'.
What if the building burns down? You will have to stre the stuff off site.
Also after a while the person doing the back-ups will probably start
skipping them
as it will seem such a waste of time.
And of course you also introduce the posibility that he makes a mistake
and copies the old data over the good data.
(I am sure that has happened before)
SO you have to weigh up the costs and benefits and risks.
>
>
> >
>
>
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
On Fri, 12 Aug 2005 15:38:35 GMT, "Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net>
wrote:
>However if you weigh up the cost of the time and effort of all those
>back-ups against the remote chance of a failure its probably not
>cost effctiive.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all
> these computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that
> it would take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also,
> backing up to server and then to tape is not feasable because
> the information needs to stay in our control. So, my question is,
> should I just take a really big hard drive around and drag from every
> computer into a folder, or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there
> some other option? Also, what is a good brand and make of hard drive
> to do this if that is the best option? I know zero about such
> things. I hope this is enough information for someone to give some
> advice. Thanks in advance.
I read all of the messages. How many gigabytes are you talking? How many
computers? Could you do this with an external USB harddrive? Is this going
to be once a week or everyday?
--
<Bill>
Brought to you from beautiful Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
N 53° 51.140' W 166° 30.228' (WGS 84)
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
You are in over your head if this project at work is to save mission
critical business data from being lost due to hardware or software failure.
Time to hire a 'real' IT person for your place of business, even if only as
a temporary contractor to set it up and sow you how to run it.
--
DaveW
<newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it came
> to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have been
> backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers dispersed
> throughout the department. Being one of the few people who who knows a
> bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these computers,
> fast. The files in question are large enough that it would take many CDs
> or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing up to server
> and then to tape is not feasable because the information needs to stay in
> our control. So, my question is, should I just take a really big hard
> drive around and drag from every computer into a folder, or just get a
> shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also, what is a good
> brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the best option? I
> know zero about such things. I hope this is enough information for
> someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>
> -A Newbie
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
"Bob" <spam@uce.gov> wrote in message
news:42fce0a6.92259484@news-server.houston.rr.com...
> On Fri, 12 Aug 2005 15:38:35 GMT, "Donald McTrevor" <me@privacy.net>
> wrote:
>
> >However if you weigh up the cost of the time and effort of all those
> >back-ups against the remote chance of a failure its probably not
> >cost effctiive.
>
> The same could be said about wearing seat belts.
And motor cycle crash helmets.
I think there is some evidence that the extra level of driver security
may lead to more accidicents, albeit perhaps less fatal ones (for
the driver).
Making good backsup of regularly changing data is a huge task.
I have few backups of my files, doubt I could find em anyway.
Its just not worth the effort.
Weigh up the effort of taking backups over 5 years against
starting from scratch..
Startying from scratch would be less man hours (for me).
Infact a computer crash would help me get rid of loads of
crap that I have accumulated, probably a blessing in disguise!!
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
<newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it came
> to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have been
> backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers dispersed
> throughout the department. Being one of the few people who who knows a
> bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these computers,
> fast. The files in question are large enough that it would take many CDs
> or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing up to server
> and then to tape is not feasable because the information needs to stay in
> our control. So, my question is, should I just take a really big hard
> drive around and drag from every computer into a folder, or just get a
> shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also, what is a good
> brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the best option? I
> know zero about such things. I hope this is enough information for
> someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>
> -A Newbie
There's are reasons people use tape drives... reliability, and back dating.
Alot of the suggestions here are good, some, obviously are not. Hard drives
are not indestructible. Neither is tape... another good reason for multiple
backups.
Making a couple of copies and stored in seperate locations a good idea. No
good having one backing kept at work then the building burns down and so
does the backup. Whiachever backup option you choose, have multiple
copies!!!have multiple copies!!!have multiple copies!!!have multiple
copies!!! If you have the need to backup, you should definitely do it
properly.
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
"qwerty" <i@i.com.au> wrote in message
news:43045cb1$0$22099$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
>
> <newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:1VTKe.658$bp5.528@newssvr24.news.prodigy.net. ..
>> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
>> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
>> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
>> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who who
>> knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
>> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
>> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
>> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
>> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
>> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
>> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
>> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
>> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
>> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>>
>> -A Newbie
>
> There's are reasons people use tape drives... reliability, and back
> dating. Alot of the suggestions here are good, some, obviously are not.
> Hard drives are not indestructible. Neither is tape... another good reason
> for multiple backups.
>
> Making a couple of copies and stored in seperate locations a good idea. No
> good having one backing kept at work then the building burns down and so
> does the backup. Whiachever backup option you choose, have multiple
> copies!!!have multiple copies!!!have multiple copies!!!have multiple
> copies!!! If you have the need to backup, you should definitely do it
> properly.
>
I use a 200GB external hard drive. Composed of and ICYBOX enclosure. Does
both USB and Firewire. Has its own power supply. I wanted a Seagate drive,
sadly couldn`t
get one, so I`ve gone for a Maxtor. The whole kit was less than £100. I`m
sure your Boss could afford some. <g>.
best wishes..OJ
Re: question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups
newsgroupkirky@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> Hello, I am in unfamiliar territory at work. At my place of work, it
> came to the attention of my boss that none of our sensitive files have
> been backed up. These files exist on a large number of computers
> dispersed throughout the department. Being one of the few people who
> who knows a bit about computers, it has fallen on me to backup all these
> computers, fast. The files in question are large enough that it would
> take many CDs or even a few DVDs to back up one computer. Also, backing
> up to server and then to tape is not feasable because the information
> needs to stay in our control. So, my question is, should I just take a
> really big hard drive around and drag from every computer into a folder,
> or just get a shitload of DVDs, or is there some other option? Also,
> what is a good brand and make of hard drive to do this if that is the
> best option? I know zero about such things. I hope this is enough
> information for someone to give some advice. Thanks in advance.
>
> -A Newbie
if you're willing to assume responsibility.
By the way. I'm less than a newbie. I am clueless about backing up. But
you have got absolutely no technical advice from anybody else so i'll
chip in.
They do have a poitn though. You should learn how to backup from the
person that did the backing up before. or for another firm.
taking a hard drive to every computer. hehe That would work though.
You wouldn't be plugging the HDD inside every computer would you?
that'd take ages. Use An USB external HDD. Or internal HDD with
USB-IDE adaptor.
If you think a backup onto one HDD is not reliable enough. Then backup
that HDD onto another HDD.
I don't bother with DVDs.
The advantage of a network is that you have all your data centralised.
So the data is on 1 computer, 'the server'. Other computers then
access a folder on the server.
So the data is all held on one computer and then backed up from that
one computer.
Backing up to tape is good. But as you say - tape is OFFLINE storage.
So it's not easily accessible.
So what you should do. Is backup to server(which should be atuomatic
if people are using storage on the server), then back up the files from
to a HDD and then to Tape.
The advantage of the tape over the hdd. Is the tapes should go back
weeks, even a year.
question from a newbie about hard drives and making backups 
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