RAID 1 or cloning software?

[jamesgoss]

Hi all,

I just received 2 F2 Eco Green 1TB drives, and am using them for data storage / backup. Should I mirror them with a RAID 1 or is there some free cloning software I can use to keep them the exactly the same at all times?

Cheers

James

 

[mdjmcnally]

If you want the same at all times then RAID1. This is still not a substitute for a backup though.

 

[jamesgoss]

Why is that? I know it's supposed to be a a subtle difference but could you explain it to me?

And I suppose they don't need to be the same at all times, I just want to have them quite current.

 

[Bry]

One reason why raid 1 doesn't replace backups is that if you should get a virus then your other drive immediately gets the virus too.
Or you accidentally delete a file, you can restore from backups but not from raid 1

 

[jamesgoss]

ah that's very true. Is there any free software that does any periodic backups automatically via a schedule?

 

[coxmattycox]

I use backup magic, not free though.

You can create a cmd, then use task scheduler in windows to make a schedule.

I know some progs may have it built in but I like this as it can be run by windows.

 

[Deadude]

start>run>ntbackup I find windows backup perfect for most things...

 

[jamesgoss]

You can create a cmd, then use task scheduler in windows to make a schedule.

I'd love to do that, except I don't know how Are there any decent guides out there that you know of? Or does anyone know any free programs that'll do it for me?

 

[shipra]

I believe you can search this in google and easily learn the all things.

 

[Blackhorse]

I believe you can search this in google and easily learn the all things.

I can see your point to an extent, but if we all live like that, no forums in the world would exist

 

[jamesgoss]

start>run>ntbackup I find windows backup perfect for most things...

I'll have a look at this, I usually like Windows solutions.

I believe you can search this in google and easily learn the all things.

Well, yes, that's true for most things, but I wanted to ask because there's a lot of knowledge on this forum that doesn't reside in Google searches.

 

[TheMorningStar]

acronis true image is probably the best backup software i have ever seen. and as has been said above raid1 is hardly infalable. it slows the drives down also. shouldnt be considered for anything really, i mean it does have its uses but there are just better solutions raid5 is probably the best mirroring solution with its incorporation of striping, ofcourse 3 drive min.

 

[Xelene]

google rsync + cygwin

 

[Paul11]

another point for raid 1 is , if your system gets stolen then all your backups are gone too ...

syncback to an external drive or NAS and /or take another copy off site

 

[brendan]

Id go for backup. Raid1 you will only loose performance without a dedicated raid controller. Also there is the simple user error problem. Lets face it who hasnt deleted a file they wanted?