Multiple External HDDs as Backup

MTWest · 20 Mar 2008 at 03:37

I'm currently attempting to backup my storage on my PC. I have about 300GB of data and couldn't bear losing it. I don't think I'd have what it takes to set up RAID, and would really prefer something outside the PC as a backup solution.

I figure since external hard drives are so cheap these days, what if I buy a couple and copy my data onto each one? Would that be a viable backup solution? They wouldn't be connected all the time, I'd basically copy data onto each one every time I have something new on my PC and then put them away in a drawer.

What do you think guys? Is this a feasible way of protecting my data? I'm open to other solutions too. Cheers.

semi-pro waster · 20 Mar 2008 at 07:49

Ideally you want some kind of off-site storage for data backup because if you have a fire/flood/other catastrophic event happen to your house and the PC within it then keeping the backup in another drawer beside the PC isn't going to offer much protection except from electrical surges (since it is off) or accidental deletion.

You could sign up to one of the services that provide online storage for your most critical files - I believe some are free, albeit with adverts.

Having a hard drive backup and keeping it in the same place as the computer is a lot better than nothing but it isn't a proper backup solution in a rigorous sense.

rpstewart · 20 Mar 2008 at 08:59

semi-pro waster said:
Having a hard drive backup and keeping it in the same place as the computer is a lot better than nothing but it isn't a proper backup solution in a rigorous sense.

Agreed. I use an external HDD for backing up what you could describe as "dynamic content" - stuff which has only just been downloaded, photos which haven't been fully processed or sorted etc.

After that stuff goes onto DVDs with one copy at home and one at my parent's place.

MTWest · 20 Mar 2008 at 11:43

What if instead of keeping them all in a drawer I leave one in my office in the city, would that approach be a little better? I don't think I'd have the patience to back everything up to DVDs!

semi-pro waster · 20 Mar 2008 at 12:37

Backing up then storing in another physical location would definitely be a better option, you've just got to get into the habit of doing it and doing it regularly - perhaps designate a day of the week e.g. bring drive from office to home on Wednesday, back-up overnight then return drive to office on Thursday morning.

Still probably not infallible since you could have a freak occurance which destroys both the drive and the PC while at the same location but a lot better than most backup strategies.