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.
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.
I use Acronis for local backup to an external drive and Backblaze to backup to the cloud.
Cheetah34 wrote:
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.
Just grab what you want backed up and pull to the destination. Nothing else needed.
cahale wrote:
Just grab what you want backed up and pull to the destination. Nothing else needed.
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.
Longshadow wrote:
Some like it automatic as opposed to manual.
Me, I made a batch file that copies specific directories to the device I specify.
I run it about once a month, unless there are a lot of file changes or photo additions.
Oops. "I run it." There went the automatic assumption.
cahale wrote:
Oops. "I run it." There went the automatic assumption.
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.
Longshadow wrote:
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.
Good advice. I have been using Carbonite for years and every time I have needed them they performed excellently.
fantom wrote:
Good advice. I have been using Carbonite for years and every time I have needed them they performed excellently.
Great to know!
So far I have not needed them....
Longshadow wrote:
Great to know!
So far I have not needed them....
You have just jinxed yourself, better call them in the morning.
fantom wrote:
You have just jinxed yourself, better call them in the morning.
Oh, I didn't say that, my alter ego did.
Longshadow wrote:
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.
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.
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
Cheetah34 wrote:
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.
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