Data redundancy - what do you use?

  • Thread starter Thread starter OSB
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OSB

OSB

OSB

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This isn't really a software specific question and i'm sure most people will have a view / something to say so i've posted it here, if mods want to move it you will (i can't stop you!).

Basically i am wondering what is the best way to prevent against data loss / an install going corrupt / boot sector corrupting etc. I know these things are unlikely but what is the best way to ensure that if something goes wrong, you can asap continue from where you left off? (As mirrored raid only protects against hardware failior)

Cheers, OSB
 
we use striped arrays with veritas backup system running too. works for us, if a drive fails, replace it, if a file stops working, use the shadow cile or backup if you need to go back upto 2 weeks ago.

If a program stops working on a server, thats a bit more tricky, pull up a new server from VM and launch that as we take down the old one and rebuild it.. maybe a few mins of hassle for the client, but its better than a whole day/week without the software..

Colin
 
daz said:
Remember kids, RAID isn't a substitute for backups.
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No i know, and all the important data is always backed up, daily, weekly etc etc. But is more the hassle of if windows goes then re-installing and configuring all the software. This is only needed for one machine, not over a server though but cheers for the info colinuk.
 
guy was asking a serious question dont troll him.

"data loss / an install going corrupt / boot sector corrupting etc"

dont use pirated software or form a source you dont trust, dont mess with mbr / disk editing tools unless you know what your doing and / or backup to a secondary drive before doing so, try not to power the pc off without shutting down corectly etc.

for data you really cant afford to loose back it up, use a second pc and mirror the data to it or an external drive / dvds / other backup medium

No i know, and all the important data is always backed up, daily, weekly etc etc. But is more the hassle of if windows goes then re-installing and configuring all the software. This is only needed for one machine, not over a server though but cheers for the info colinuk.
Click to expand...

windows xp has a repair function built into the install cd that will fix a corrupted install a good percentage of the time tho you may need to reinstall a few drivers and specific apps that were corrupted havent used vista but it is bound to have a similar function
 
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OSB said:
No i know, and all the important data is always backed up, daily, weekly etc etc. But is more the hassle of if windows goes then re-installing and configuring all the software. This is only needed for one machine, not over a server though but cheers for the info colinuk.
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Do a clean install of windows, then install all your software and make an image of the hard disk partition using something like partition magic... backup somewhere safe.
 
colinuk said:
we use striped arrays with veritas backup system running too. works for us, if a drive fails, replace it, if a file stops working, use the shadow cile or backup if you need to go back upto 2 weeks ago.

Colin
Click to expand...

Don't you mean Mirrored? RAID isn't meant to be used as Backup.

Disk -> Near-Disk Backup (NAS/SAN) -> Tape -> Archive Tape (Offsite)

However, for home use just write important data to DVD and have an external hard disk backup, network attached if possible.

Or be a real smug git and get a Mac + Time Capsule! :p
 
binaryknight said:
dont use pirated software or form a source you dont trust, dont mess with mbr / disk editing tools unless you know what your doing and / or backup to a secondary drive before doing so, try not to power the pc off without shutting down correctly etc.
Click to expand...

Most "pirated" software is OK. However I wouldn't advise on running anything without running a valid up-to-date Virus scanner and Anti-Spyware scanner...and that includes non-pirated software too! ;)
 
robocopy
7za
acronis true image (basic install)

only about 5 programs i use need to be installed, the rest be copied to an external drive and back again, like winamp, steam, firefox, imgburn, utorrent, media player classic
 
Generally our customers run RAID with hardbackup to DLT etc (offsite). In addition some will run mirrored servers in a seperate room/building in case of major hardware failure for fallback purposes.

You will find for indemnity that it may be a requirement for offsite backups (firesafes etc).

Depends how much money you want to spend and throw at it (clusters,SANS etc).

Smaller peeps who run Windows etc. USB hard drive - backup take home etc.. Depends on scale/scope.

If your more into omg my xxxx file is garbage in it then thats more an application issue rather than a backup issue.
 
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