Cheetah34 Loc: Virginia Beach

What is the best software to use to back up my computer? Some have recommended Backblaze. What does this community think? Thanks for your recommendations.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Whatever software you decide on for a local backup, also consider a cloud backup (like Carbonite) for disaster recovery.
And don't simply back up photos, backup documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, ... everything you would not want to lose.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

I use Acronis for local backup to an external drive and Backblaze to backup to the cloud.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

Just grab what you want backed up and pull to the destination. Nothing else needed.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Some like it automatic as opposed to manual.

Me, I made a batch file that copies specific directories to the external device I specify.
I run it about once a month, unless there are a lot of file changes or photo additions.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

Oops. "I run it." There went the automatic assumption.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yea, Sorry, I'm not going to sit there while it backs up about 250GB of data, copying each directory by hand. Waiting for it to get done, then copy the next directory, and the next.....
It's not "automatic", I have to initiate it, but the process is automatic.
A true "automatic backup" will do it on the fly with no user intervention.

fantom Loc: Colorado

Good advice. I have been using Carbonite for years and every time I have needed them they performed excellently.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Great to know!
So far I have not needed them....

fantom Loc: Colorado

You have just jinxed yourself, better call them in the morning.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Oh, I didn't say that, my alter ego did.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

I used to use a batch file as well. But then I decided to use a program to help me in the event I needed to recover my operating system. Just in case and sparing me having to reinstall programs. I've done so a couple of times, including replacing a disk drive. It gives me peace of mind.

If you go with a batch file, you can use "switches" to help control what is backed up such as only new or modified files. Automation is also possible by using the Scheduler function to run the batch file when you wish. That is for Windows. I have no idea if Apple machines provide that same functionality.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I plan for complete computer failure. Any day I might need to go get a new one!

I don't back up the software. All of it now is installed over the internet. Day one of a new computer will be installing my Adobe and Microsoft stuff. There is also a few other less important pieces that I will install.

My data including all my documents, spreadsheets, Lightroom catalogs, photos and videos are the important part. I don't use cloud services like Backblaze, Carbonite, etc. I have too much data! Backing up would be slow enough, but putting it all back on a new computer would be too painful.

Instead of cloud backups, I have a matched pair of 8TB external USB drives dedicated to backup. I use GoodSync to keep them matched to my computer. When you initiate sync software, like GoodSync, it compares the target drive with your master. It then copies everything new since the last sync and deletes what you've deleted on the master.

I alternate the two drives and do a sync every few weeks or when I've done something important. The two drives are in a different building than my computer.

Why the GoodSync brand? Tim Grey endorses it and I'm not paying for cloud service. 00000

jcboy3

You need to mention whether you are using Windows or MacOS (or Linux).