Damn microshaft.... just had to F disk.

[TAB]

GD thing would not load, had to complete F disk, thank god I back up my files...

[Hazcat]

I use Mozzy for back up as well as a flash drive.

[jaybet]

What's "Mozzy"?

[Hazcat]

http://mozy.com/

It is a secure online back up service.  You can get 2 gigs for free or unlimited for 4.95 a month.  Once you set it up it is automatic.  Good service.

[Texas_Bryan]

Just go buy a secondary, internal or external, hard drive for back up and use CD or DVDs for long term archival of documents, photos, and other info.  Haz, your gonna get bit in the ass by those flashdrives.  They're great for file transfer, replaced floppies, Zip, and Jazz well enough, but don't expect them to be a secure and reliable back up.  Online back up is OK for a business or studio, but I'd wouldn't recommend it for home use, but it works fine, with some downsides.

My current rig is running six HDD:

One 500 Gb - primary OS system drive, programs and all games are stored on this one

Two 320 Gb - two 320 Gb drives setup in RAID 1, which sets up multiple HDD to mirror each other, so that information in on at least two separate physical HDD, if one crashes then I'm up and running in ten minutes with zero data loss, this where I save all my data using a vast, but simple, file system

One 160 Gb external - USB 3.5" used as another back up to the RAID array, in case of computer failure I can relocate it easily to another machine and pull needed files

One 500 Gb NAS - network attached storage that is connected to a server machine, anyone on the network can use this drive as backup or as a means of transfer between machines on the local area network

One 160 Gb external - 2.5" mobile drive used to back up data, then gets thrown into a fire safe


Remember for nonreplaceable file, such as photos, use CDs or DVDs, because they're nonmechanical and won't fail or age like magnetic or electric storage such as HDD or flashdrives, then put them in a fire safe.


EDIT: Forget everything I just said.  Go buy a tape robot!!!

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

TB,

I also have a server with 2 500 gig drives (one for back up) and yes I run a biz here so I go with triple redundancy.

[tombogan03884]

TB,

I also have a server with 2 500 gig drives (one for back up) and yes I run a biz here so I go with triple redundancy.

Once bitten twice shy. 

[Hazcat]

Once bitten twice shy. 

YEP! 

[Pathfinder]

I cannot bring myself to trust an online service like Mozy to control and protect any of my data - and no, I don't run a business here. It is all the rage in IT circles these days to go to SaaS (Software as a Service - basically online tools run by and hosted by an outside company. Think running Word or Quicken on a website and not on your own computer). Yes, it adds risk to control your own, not to mention work and discipline. But if someone else has it, you rely on them being there tomorrow, and doing their job today. I'm too old seasoned experienced to trust that at all for myself, let alone a business.

[Texas_Bryan]

I cannot bring myself to trust an online service like Mozy to control and protect any of my data - and no, I don't run a business here. It is all the rage in IT circles these days to go to SaaS (Software as a Service - basically online tools run by and hosted by an outside company. Think running Word or Quicken on a website and not on your own computer). Yes, it adds risk to control your own, not to mention work and discipline. But if someone else has it, you rely on them being there tomorrow, and doing their job today. I'm too old seasoned experienced to trust that at all for myself, let alone a business.

The concept your speaking of is often referred to a 'cloud computing', and yes I share you concerns and carry even more of my own.

You are relying on:

1.  Internet connection - both yours and theirs

2.  Band width - again both of yours

3.  Their equipment and software

4.  Their company's ability to stay in business

5.  Their integrity - don't trust anyone I've not and cannot meet

6.  Privacy - someone could potentially access your data without your approval, think government, or crackers

Datacenter storage over the internet is a viable option, used almost exclusively to safe guard against theft or massive damage to your business or home, fire or flood, but be aware of the limitations and liabilities involved.