Auto Backup from internal HDD to a Network HDD?

[0kami]

Hi, was wondering if it is possible to have a system that automatically copies everything happening on an internal HDD in a computer to a external network HDD or NAS? Cause I want some sort of redundant NAS system in my home but have very little to spare so those dual drive NAS are out of the question, at least for now. So I was wondering if I can get a single drive NAS (i.e. WD My Cloud) and have it mirror whats happening to a HDD in my PC. Then the rest of my family can just access the files via that single drive NAS.

I know its an odd idea but any better suggestions would much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Alabalcho]

You can create a simple script and put in in "Scheduled tasks" to copy all (or some) folders from your computer to a network location. Set up the schedule for e.g. midnight. I am using RoboCopy under Windows for a similar task.

If you want copy just for backup purposes, you can use Windows' own Backup utility.

 

[0kami]

I found that My Cloud as an image backup system that uses another external HDD placed in its usb port. I'd like to know how large an external back up drive do I need for that. Does it have to be that same size as the NAS drive? So the redundancy issue is solved.

I guess there isn't an automatic mirror ability and only backup schedules? Like when a new file is copied into my internal HDD the NAS will immediately copy it as well? I must be asking for too much.

 

[Alabalcho]

Which "My Cloud" you are referring to? If this is a backup software, in most cases the resulting backup file will be unreadable by any other application (e.g. Microsoft Backup creates ZIP files, other products create their own file formats), so this would be not suitable for sharing over the network.

You might not want "Automatic backup of new / changed files" - what if you make a mistake in a document, save it (or delete it), and then want to return to your previous copy? I would rather setup a system where backups are performed e.g. every night.