Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[The Dogmother]

I'm looking for some new back up software; I used to use Acronis on my old machine but am using the standard Microsoft back up on the lappy... you've guess it; it's pants

 

I need something which will create an initial system image, then incremental back-ups which can be scheduled. If it's free then even better Personal recommendations are always best IMO

[Geoid]

Norton Ghost, costs about £30

[majorbloodnock]

Before going any further, what do you want to back up and where to? Is it just certain data folders or whole system backups, and is it to DVDs, tape, memory sticks etc. or would you prefer some kind of online backup?

[The Dogmother]

Thanks guys, I'd need to create an initial mirror image of my hard drive (laptop) to capture the software as well as the files, then incremental back-ups of mixed files including text and media. I also want to be able to schedule back-ups.

 

I am currently using a 500gb external HD which also stores our music files. When I go away, I disconnect this and put it in a fire-proof safe at work.

 

I am happy to back-up online/cloud and have been looking at reviews online; seems that I won't get a busting lot for free so I'm resigned to pay. Carbonite and Spideroak both look good and amount to roughly the same cost. I looked at AVG as I use their free virus/online protection, but their 'unlimited' storage is limited to 500gb then they charge you for extra on top

 

I used to have Ghost, Fred, but will have to read up about it again as it has no doubt changed.

[majorbloodnock]

If you want full system recovery, online backups are probably not the way to go. Ghost is certainly a well thought of product, as is your previous favourite from Acronis, incidentally (the former is less fully featured but easier to use, the latter pretty crammed with functionality, but not quite so intuitive); both are a similar price.

 

Given we're talking £30-£40 here, and are trying to safeguard data that, to you is probably worth exponentially more than that, personally I wouldn't look too much further. Instead, I'd spend a bit more on at least a second data storage device of some kind so you're not keeping all your backups in just one place; it's obvious you take backup seriously, and that says a lot about the value you place on your data, so spreading the risk is a sensible next step.

[superkitty]

I use Dropbox for work and have done for years, but that isn't full system recovery, only all my documents....so actually that's not much help, sorry! But very useful for those like me who don't have a network but often need to access all my work stuff on the move.

[The Dogmother]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I've put this on hold while Rosie is in hospital but will look into it when she's out.