New
#41
I like Windows Backup & Restore
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New #42
For file and folder backup on our sites I use Cobian backup it's old but never lets me down.
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New #44
How do you decide the needed backup capacity (drive size) and what brands and models would any of you chose? I'm looking at WD desktop drives, 3-4TB. The system in question has less than 500GB on the data drive, less than 250GB on the system drive.
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New #45
An image of the 250 gb on the system drive would be circa 130 to 150 gb with Macrium, using the default medium compression. Changing to high compression won't shrink it much.
The 500 gb of data would take up circa 250 to 300 gb if imaged---but I'd hope you would have at least one backup of data in its non-image natural state---a simple copy amounting to 500 gb.
So---2 system images plus one data simple copy might take up 750 or 800 gb. I'd think a 3 TB backup drive would be more than enough unless you think you need to keep 10 or more system images---very unlikely. Or unless you anticipate your data drive storage requirements to grow rapidly in the near future.
What brand/model? It's largely a dice roll. You will hear good and bad about all of them. I'd be more concerned about warranty and return privileges with the vendor. I wouldn't pay any attention to whatever software might be included with the drive.
You might even consider an internal drive for at least one backup--greater speed, no reliance on an external port or a cable, probably at a lower cost.
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New #46
It's a laptop, both bays used, so this needs to be external. There's a WD external desktop with a 3 year warranty, and WD desktop drives seem to work very well for me (as have WD internals). So I might go for the 4tb because it's not much more expensive than the 3TB.
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New #48
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New #50
There is also a point to be made in favour of using multiple backup devices. Having two disks and alternating between them for each backup or backup cycle. Does give additional security and safety. Ideally you need at least three disks, one connected, one stored safely in the home, and one stored elsewhere, a bank box or similar. Ok this appears overkill but it does give cover against additional threats, a ransomware attack while the drive is connected for backup, theft whilst drive is connected or fire and total loss at any time.
I would recommend this sort of setup for a small business where these days your company is your data.
I do not do this myself for private data but do have a few older drives and will backup images and other important files randomly when I am not using the system as a backup to my backup.
Overkill, yes, and shows more about my roots in the industry where large tape reels and larger tape Recording equipment used to be my companions on a Saturday, (weekly backup day )
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