Re: Backups

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Hi

It's helpful to distinguish backing up data from backing up the operating
system and program files. The data may change everyday and is probably much
smaller that the OS and programs.

To backup data you can use Windows own backup system which can be scheduled
to run as often as you like. I use Zipbackup because I like the way it
retains the directory structure of the backed up files. I tell it to backup
"My Documents".

Then you have the question of where to save the backup file. You can save it
to an external hard disk, but if you are really obsessive (and I am) you can
burn it to a DVD or a portable hard disk (mine is about the size of a pack
of playing cards) and save the DVD or hard disk off the premises.

Backing up the OS and program files will take longer, and produce a much
bigger file. This is often called "imaging". Ghost and Acronis True Image
are popular programs but I find Terabyte Unlimited's Image for DOS cheaper
and more reliable. The latter is a suite: it includes a program that runs
from Windows and Image for Linux. I'd go with Terabyte because their support
is splendid.

You can store the image on an external hard disk, but I also burn it to DVDs
or a portable hard disk which I keep off the premises.

Good luck, Dan S

"emcating" <emcating@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:B71CCF1C-0617-4CF1-8872-66E0E7956D6B@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm not extremely familiar with PC's but my boss is looking into backing
up
her files on her computer and I have no idea how! She has windows XP.. how
do
I go about doing this? Do i need to buy software or is there something i
can
dowload?




.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Which storage media appropriate for small PC backups ?
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  • Re: Backup across multiple DVDs
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  • Re: Backing Up
    ... I'm looking to the future and how I will do my backing up. ... it would be good to have a backup that is at a different location. ... new data and what you have broadband wise etc. ... Its not likely to be anything like as cheap as a DVD ...
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  • Re: WinXP - backing up to DVD
    ... it mentions backing up to hard disk and to ...tape, ... Do I need additional backup software to do backups to DVD? ...
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