Backup

Hello. I would like advice on setting up proper protocols for backing up my business data so that I will never be impacted by a device failure. How should I organize my data backup plan? What software and hardware tools are best for the purpose? How many copies of my data should I maintain on a daily basis? Should I be backing up to an internet service? The pros and cons of mirroring my drives as opposed to file backup? My system is: A single desktop computer running XP Pro with 2 internal drives of 500g each. I also have the standard floppy and DVD drives. I don't presently have a laptop but would get one if it would reduce my risk of downtime from lost data. A DSL connection to the internet and a D-Link wireless (DIR-625) router. I have a Iomega 1 terra external drive (USB connection) also. I don't have a massive number of data files that change frequently but I am always creating new files as business is conducted. What say ye? Advice would be appreciated.

Spab

 

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

There's no best. Just what you like or what works for you. You got 2 harddisks. One for OS & software, the other for data/backup/storage. True Image can schedule backup of ANYTHING from a single file, a folder, a partition to the entire drive. You need to consider backing up the OS as well cuz without an OS, you're not getting your biz data. DOS, Linux, *NIX, BSD or even Mac OS are all OSes.

I suggest you keep all the biz data in a top folder, then subfolders named after the date you created the file. Not the most efficient way, but ok. Databases would be the way to go. To be specific, SQL. It may be a huge change to your application. Keep it in mind. Back up this top folder.

So you can back up the OS & the biz data folder to another partition or drive on a daily basis. Local backups are easiest to restore. If you back up to a remote server, it's safer, but the Internet can be down or slow sometimes.

Depending on how important your data is, you might want to back up the two backup files to an external drive on a monthly basis.

You got everything you need to do this local backup. Just add a program. ATI is the one I recommend. Get a copy of version 10. 11 is a bit buggy in that the backup may not be stored.

P.S. I forgot to say ATI archive can be selectively stored in My Computer in Windows using copy & paste. Yes, that simple!

 

Thanks Akhilles. The programs I use primarily to create business data are Quickbooks, Money, and Microsoft Office. It is all pretty basic since I don't have databases that I use. I have Access from Office but I do not use it for any application presently. I also have stock charting software and stock trading programs that are important but those programs are browser oriented and can be traded on line. I may have missed but did you suggest how many copies of current data I should maintain?

Again thanks for the response.

Spab

 

Thanks Halo. The information you and Akhilles have provided give me confidence that I will be able to do what I need to do to protect my business. I have been hammered enough to want to do it right the first time. Thanks

spab