How to go about setting up automatic backups?

[Akagi]

Hi guys, I currently do not have a backup solution for my main system and was wondering how to go about setting one up.

I have two PC's in the room, both have 2TB storage drives fitted, both are connected to the network wirelessly using TP-Link TL-WN822N wireless adapters, the router is sadly a VM SuperHub 1 currently as it doesn't like playing ball with my TP-Link router in modem only mode. The router is located elsewhere in the house.

I essentially want defined locations on the 2TB storage drive in system 1 to be periodically, automatically backed up to the 2TB storage drive in system 2.

If it would not be feasible to do this with the network set up in this way, I could use a pair of home-plugs to get the connection into the room, and then connect up an unmanaged network switch.

System 1 'Maya' is running Windows 7 Professional x64

Spec:

Spoiler

i5 2500K @ 4.6GHz (1.38V)
P8Z68-V Pro
16GB (4x 4GB) Vengeance 1600MHz (1.5V)
GTX670 DCU2 TOP
XFX Pro 750W 80+ Silver
Xonar Essence STX
256GB Samsung 830
1TB SpinPoint F3
2TB WD Caviar Green

System 2 'Adele' p) is running Windows Vista Business x64

Spec:

Spoiler

2x Xeon E5430 @ 2.66GHz
Dell T5400 0RW203 Dual Socket
8GB (4x 1GB + 2x 2GB) 667MHz ECC
GTX260 Core 216
Dell T5400 850W 80+
120GB Intel 330
2TB Seagate Barracuda

How would you go about doing things?

 

[Akagi]

Thanks, it looks pretty good. Will give it a go.

Do you have any personal experience with it or is this just an informed recommendation from looking into it?

 

[Akagi]

Alright thanks.

I was expecting a far more complicated solution, hence why I provided so much info.

 

[Akagi]

Thats great, thanks. I think I'll just stick with the one backup initially. Can I add more backup options after it is already set up? I assume so?

Also if for example I were to back up my music folder, if I delete a few albums on system 1, what happens when the folder is re-backed up - do the files I removed get removed from the backup location(s) as well because it is essentially cloning the folder, or will they stay?

And also, if I'm not connected to the internet, will the backups across the same network (i.e system 1 to system 2) still work?

 

[Akagi]

Get yourself an older PC with a 2 TB drive and put Windows Home Server 2011 on it. WHS will automatically back up both your PCs every night.

This also has the advantage that in an emergency, you only have to grab one box to save your data.

I could just install Home Server on system 2, it doesn't have a permanent use, it is just the "spare PC" which is mucked about with when needed.

I do also have a licence for Windows Server 2012 Standard - but I don't really want to "waste" it.

Yep, you can add more targets later, no problem.

The way the backups are stored, it keeps x number of file versions for x number of days/weeks/months, and will keep deleted files for x number of days/weeks/months (or forever). You will see what I mean when you dig around in the options.

Local backups are independent of the Internet connection. You need an Internet connection for the initial setup (it logs in with your credentials), but doesn't require an ongoing connection.

Awesome, cheers. I think I'll definitely go for this option first.