Storage & Backup Solution

[mattyoung]

With huge data storage need, I like to ask what is your storage solution and more important, how do you backup?  I use a couple of NAS for storage but don't know how to make backup.

Is there any NAS storage that allow simple backup?  For example backup to some USB type of removable media, plug-in to make backup, unplug, take home for save keeping.  In case of disaster/storage failure, get a new NAS, plug-in the backup device and restore. Do such thing exist? Or something even better?

[Jack Flesher]

Not sure exactly what you are asking, but...

1) If your NAS boxes are on the network and your computer can see both of them, then there are several inexpensive pieces of software that can be used to schedule "mirroring" or "sync-ing" of the separate boxes, or even individual folders inside.  

For PC take a look at "mirrorfolder" and for the Mac, take a look at "Chronosync" or "Carbon Copy Cloner".  Just make sure to read the documentation with each so you are very clear about exactly what options you want selected for your desired mirror/synch operation.

Cheers,

[DarkPenguin]

SyncbackSE is a nice sync product.

I use it with USB drives.  Be careful, tho.  USB drives do not always appear on the same drive letter.

(As an aside I like the text on the box of the USB drive case I bought.  "A new feeling for eyes delight.")

[wolfnowl]

I use Synchback SE connected to an external drive as well.  Works great for me.

Mike.

[dwdallam]

This is something that I have neglected far to long. I mean I backup my files to an external hard drive.

What I'd like to do is back up the files to an external hard drive, work on them from the external hard drive using my laptop, and then synchronize the updated files on the external drive with the originals on my home computer. That way i can use the backup drive with my laptop, and not have to be home whenever I want to work on images.

actually, an even better solution is to use the external drive to create a mirror of my files on my laptop, and then use the backup external drive as a go between to update/synchronize the files between my home computer and laptop. that would be perfect.

I'd also like the option to do this manually.

Will MirrorFolder do that?

More replies into a good, solid solution for this type of use is appreciated.

I've been researching this and found that Microsoft offers a free plugin for this exact purpose. It's called SyncToy.

It comes in two flavors, version 1.4 and a 2.0 version in beta. the 2.0 version is updated to work "better" in Vista 64, but I beleive both work with all versions of Vista. Oh yeah, and you don't get this very often with Micro$oft--it's free.

Ver. 2.0 Vista 64 Beta:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=en

Ver. 1.4 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en