Backups: Storage and software.

financialbliss

Hi, Got a XP desktop PC with a 150Gb hard disk, USB memory sticks and a DVD writer.

Although I do back up, I never seem to back up frequently enough – I’m now considering an external hard drive, possibly with automated backup software to use for more frequent backups. Recently installed the .net runtime and SyncToy from Microsoft and have been playing with that.

Storage.
Been looking at these two products from Toshiba:

500Gb:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-500GB-External-Desktop-Drive/dp/B001263GY8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239453409&sr=8-2

1Tb:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-External-Desktop-Hard-Drive/dp/B001BG4QS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239453409&sr=8-1

As I’ve only got 150Gb desktop storage, the 500Gb seems ample, but remembering back to when prices were £1 per Mb, the rule of thumb was purchase as big a drive as you can afford. Is this still the case? Would you go for the 500Gb or 1Tb if you were me?

Note: I’ve already read this thread on the 1Tb:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1547783


Backup software.
Since installing SyncToy, I’m now backing up more important files to a 2Gb memory stick as they change, but what backup software do you use / recommend?

Ideally, I’d like to be able to keep versions of backup files, schedule or automate backups etc. Done searches on forums and the internet – brings back a long list of backup software, but before I install software to try it, I’d really appreciate some recommendations based on actual use.

Thanks in advance,
FB.

spud17

I used to use SyncToy, but I found it quite slow on my elderly PC, also it can be tricky to set up a schedule.
I switched to SyncBack Freeware v.2.3.19.0 (scroll down to make sure you get the free one).
I've found it to be quicker, and also easier to schedule.
Despite the warnings when setting up schedules, I've never used passwords and it all works fine.

damo24

It's not free but Genie-soft back-up manager (http://www.genie-soft.com/products/gbm/us/default.html) is an excellent option. It will back-up to pretty much anything and is very simple to schedule.

I have 2 back-ups scheduled, one each week to an external drive and one each month to DVD.

financialbliss

@ spud17 / damo24 - thanks for the replies.

Anyone any thoughts on the 500Gb or 1Tb?

As I've already mentioned, 500Gb should be enough, but at just £20 extra, is the 1Tb a steal?

FB.

posted_2

How much data do you have?

Hard disk prices tend to come down over time, so steal or not, it's a bit of a waste of money if you aren't going to fill it up.

financialbliss

posted wrote: »

How much data do you have?

Good point posted. Still got a fair chunk of my 150Gb drive free - biggest single type of data to backup are digital camera pictures.

Think you've helped me tip the balance towards the 500Gb.

Thanks,
FB.

posted_2

They would probably fit on a single dvd.