The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 3 (of 5) - Suggestions for backup software?

Suggestions for backup software?

Hi,

Read Joel's column mentioning backups.

I like the idea of being able to look at the last 5 versions of a file and having a full backup of my hard drive.

However, the software he mentioned is more (and more expensive) that we need.

Any suggestions for a single PC backup software?

* Inexpensive
* Backs up the entire hard drive
* NICE TO HAVE: does it incrementally so that you have several versions of files available?

The real Entrepreneur
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

> Backs up the entire hard drive

Symantec Ghost?

Christopher Wells
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Cloning the whole hard-disk every single time?

FredF
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Isn't this what Volume Shadow Copy was for? (have no experience witht his)

Just me (Sir to you)
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Acronis TrueImage fits your criteria:
http://www.acronis.com/products/trueimage/

Jack
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

tar -cvf `date "+%Y%m%d.tar"` /

Dude, linux rules!

Sarcasm
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Thanks. TrueImage looks pretty good.

The real Entrepreneur
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

It can't deal with a running MSSQL though. I just quote form their FAQ:

"I have complex applications such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or Microsoft Exchange running on my server. I plan to create an image, but I'm not sure if these applications can be running during the imaging process. What should I do?
Although Acronis True Image 7.0 takes care of hard disk and filesystem-level consistency via snapshot technology, it does not guarantee application-level consistency. We recommend you to suspend complex servers such as Microsoft SQL, Oracle or Microsoft Exchange before pressing the Proceed button on the last page of the Acronis True Image 7.0 application wizard. Once the imaging process starts, you can resume server operations. It is not necessary to suspend the applications for the duration of the imaging process."

coresi
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

For data backup "Second Copy" from www.centered.com

It''s pretty flexible but for files in use it will flag an error message.

You could use a RAIC mirror image, for immediate restore, and then back up the data with second copy at the end of the day.

Stephen Jones
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

1. Buy another HDD, put it in RAID with first and voila you have disk backup.
2. You can backup important files regulary to a cd-rw, or to a ftp site; the market it's full of $29.95 backup solution (Handy Backup, WinBackup, Second Copy,...)

Emil Mustea
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

I don't need to backup any SQL server stuff.

Can you point me to info on setting up the second drive as RAID?

The real Entrepreneur
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

I just archive everything with WinRAR and then burn the resulting 700 MB volumes to CDs using Nero.

Jax
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Wouldn't braking a RAID mirror at an unfortunate time also possibly introduce app. level inconsistency for running programs? The only way I see around this is IMHO an app. aware live backup utility. This is often included with the server. Use it.

Just me (Sir to you)
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

This just in : "Bacula: Cross-Platform Client-Server Backups"

http://www.onlamp.com/lpt/a/4476

FredF
Thursday, January 22, 2004

Jax,

How much can WinRAR compress the drive data?

I have a 40 GB hard drive. Even compressed 4:1, that's about 13 CDRs.

Hmmm... now, you could back up to 3 or 4 DVDRs.

I've found that having to switch CDs during backup is a pain. It turns an automatic process into a daily chore.

The real Entrepreneur
Friday, January 23, 2004

Stephen,

Second Copy won't backup in-use files. So, it can't backup the whole hard drive.

I think for casual data backup (not for restoration of a whole HD) it's pretty good.

It would really be a lot better if it could RETRY in-use files.

The real Entrepreneur
Friday, January 23, 2004