External hard drive or back up

AlwaysAllie

Some advice please?

I want to purchase some kind of back up for my parents desktop.

They are fairly computer savvy but it needs to be as simple as possible both to install and run, preferably either automatically to with pro too to remind them to use it!

Many thanks
AA

InsideInsurance

What Operating System do they use?

Windows 7 (possibly earlier versions too) and Mac OS X both have automatic backup built into the OS. Certainly the Mac is only the delta it backs up and you can go into any individual backup, I assume Windows is the same but havent used it at home for a coming up to a decade.

Do they have other computers? eg a laptop? Are they likely to ever?

If they are then it may be best to buy a NAS, an external drive that connects directly to the network rather than a computer which will mean all the computers can automatically back up to it at any time they need to -v- an external drive attached to the desktop which would require the desktop to be turned on when the other computers want to back up to it.

If they'll only ever have 1 desktop then there is no point having the extra cost of a NAS -v- an external drive

aerostar

Have a look at Cobian Gravity backup (FREE)- very comprehensive - can be setup for auto or manual backups.

borse2010

Get a external usb drive which range from £40-50 500gb at least. Use Windows Backup built into Windows 7 or 8, you can setup what you want to backup and will do as it says.

itGuyUK80

Majority of backup drives now come with Manufacturer software for backup.

There user friendliness is very hard to judge, but from past experience they do try to make it very easy to install and use...

Chrishazle

Ebuyer currently have the Intenso 1Tb USB drive for £41, it's USB powered so comes on automatically at boot if left plugged in. Use it for storage of your backups, you don't have to remember to turn it on!