Backing up pictures (Page 2): I just use external drives and file them as we use to do with file cabinets. ( States---CT, NY etc Europe --GB , USA etc) I also have 2 sets as a failsafe...

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I just use external drives and file them as we use to do with file cabinets. ( States---CT, NY etc Europe --GB , USA etc) I also have 2 sets as a failsafe of drive failures and the DO FAIL.

rbmitch123

Lenfagen wrote:

Can someone suggest software which will backup my pictures and then add only new ones when I backup the file again? And if I delete some pictures from the file will the backup also delete them? Thanks for your help.

When closing Lightroom I get an inquiry to backup to my hard drive (Mac laptop). I always back it up. Am I getting duplicate backups and storage issues, or just the newest or updated files? Is there a problem with deleting old backups?

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Bayou wrote:

Versioning, versioning, versioning!

If your backup software, whether local or cloud, lacks historical versions, then you aren't backed up.

I have never heard of versioning or historical versions. What is it? Why do you think it’s needed?

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

CamB wrote:

I have never heard of versioning or historical versions. What is it? Why do you think it’s needed?

Versioning attaches a time stamp to a file when backing it up. If the file changes, the new version gets backed up but the old version is still available.

If a file gets corrupted without you noticing it, the next time things are backed up without versioning, the corrupted version will overwrite your backed up version.

If your system includes versioning, the corrupted file will be backed up but the old uncorrupted version will still be available.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

rbmitch123 wrote:

When closing Lightroom I get an inquiry to backup to my hard drive (Mac laptop). I always back it up. Am I getting duplicate backups and storage issues, or just the newest or updated files? Is there a problem with deleting old backups?

LR asks to back up the catalog. It DOES NOT back up your image files. You have to do that yourself.

If you have a LR problem you can open the old backup catalog. There's no real reason to keep the ones from 6 months ago unless you had a problem you didn't notice for 6 months. I generally go in once or twice a year and delete all but the most recent 3 backup catalogs.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Gene51 wrote:

I've been using SyncBack since forever. It does scheduled backup/sync operations and is very granular as far as which files it does. It's also free.

https://www.2brightsparks.com/welcome/backup/freeware.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhZT9BRDmARIsAN2E-J0HDr-dGRxnXGKQ9ec-30GiWwA_tKqDJCgLDCH6Gt9BLELKLiMnqVkaAgKSEALw_wcB

+1

I use and love this program also.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Picture Taker wrote:

I just use external drives and file them as we use to do with file cabinets. ( States---CT, NY etc Europe --GB , USA etc) I also have 2 sets as a failsafe of drive failures and the DO FAIL.

A robust backup system will cover: Duplication (looks like you have that covered locally); Distribution (you need to keep backups off site); Verification (you have to know that the files you have backed up will work if you restore them); and Maintenance (replacing media on a regular basis to avoid aging failures).

Distribution can be done by keeping a backup off site to cover local disasters (fire, flood, lightning causing line surges). In recent years there have been increases in regional disasters (entire towns being wiped out by wildfires or flooding or possibly earthquakes). Distribution using a cloud service is highly recommended. The cloud services distribute the data over the whole country, or even across continents. Cloud services address verification at backup time and the maintenance is done by professionals (local maintenance is done by amateurs).

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

DirtFarmer wrote:

Versioning attaches a time stamp to a file when backing it up. If the file changes, the new version gets backed up but the old version is still available.

If a file gets corrupted without you noticing it, the next time things are backed up without versioning, the corrupted version will overwrite your backed up version.

If your system includes versioning, the corrupted file will be backed up but the old uncorrupted version will still be available.

Good explanation, and I would add that the ability to revert the whole file system to a previous point in time is also important if the FS gets corrupted.

wcsungod Loc: Walnut Creek California

I use Goodsync, targeting a 4TB external Western Digital hard drive that I can easily lock up for security. What I like is that Goodsync is fast! It keeps incremental versions each time the file is changed. It also backs up the folders where each file I'm backing up is located.

I use Windows 10.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I use SyncBack. It can be set to backup OR to synchronize. It can run on command or unattended in the background.

Bayou

CamB wrote:

I have never heard of versioning or historical versions. What is it? Why do you think it’s needed?

Other have already answered this question very well. I would add that historical versioning protects your files from "ransomware" attacks. A virus that delivers ransomware will encrypt your files so you cannot open them without a password that the malware applied to the files. Usually there will be a popup that explains that your files have been hijacked and encrypted, and a handy way to pay for that password. Many large businesses and municipalities have suffered this sort of attack.

If you have access to those older versions (pre malware encryption) in your cloud account or local backup, you can simply delete the infected files and restore the unmolested historical versions to the same locations. It takes time, but it works. Of course, the ransomware has to be found and removed, lest it happen again.

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Bayou wrote:

Versions SE ($40) and Pro have versioning, not the free version. https://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/compare.html

Thank you for the response and info...I will look into getting one of those programs!!

lwhamilton0 Loc: Hemet, CA

I have researched just about every photo Backup programs available for iOS devices - e.g., iPhones, iPads, and Macbook. Hands down the very best app to use (for these criteria:

o Free
o Unlimited
o Full resolution
o Automatically uploads every photo you
shoot!!!
o You organize albums
o Only you can delete your photos
o Great reputation and service and
responsive
o Etc.

THE GRAND WINNER IS: Amazon Photos App - downloadable in the App Store and Google’s App site.

It works perfect

crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California

Lenfagen wrote:

Can someone suggest software which will backup my pictures and then add only new ones when I backup the file again? And if I delete some pictures from the file will the backup also delete them? Thanks for your help.

Synctoy will do want you described.

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

I use th free version of "always sync"