Backup and Redundancy Solutions

[Unknown9]

I currently have 3 hard drives that I would like to have copies of in the event something happens to one of these. The hard drives that I have are:

1. A 500 GB SSD for the OS and program installations
2. A 1 TB HDD for all data storage
3. A 4 TB HDD for media storage and streaming

I currently own 2 of each of these hard drives (with the exception of the SSD - I have a standard HDD for that instead of 2 SSDs) and would like exact copies of each of the listed hard drives. All of these hard drives are located in a single desktop PC. I would like to build a dedicated NAS device in the future, but don't currently have the funds.

What is the best way to automatically create copies of each of these hard drives that would also be effective at preventing complete data loss?

If I am not posting in the right place, please suggest a better forum topic as I wasn't sure if this was the best place to post.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there.

Basically in my opinion the best way to go is not automatic update, as this would mean that you'll have the backup drives connected to the same system at all times. This is not really the best way to have your backups as the backup drives would be exposed to the exact same threads as the drives with the original data - e.g. power surges, viruses, spills, God forbid floods or fires, etc.

On the other hand having a backup even in the same system would be better than nothing, so if all you need is a program which supports continuous backup for internal drives.

Another option would be to get external enclosures for those drives make regular backups and disconnect them after each one while they are not in use

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

 

[Unknown9]

Would weekly automatic updates be a bad idea as well? I definitely don't want to have continuous mirroring like in RAID1 due to the possibility of user error, file corruption, and viruses, but I have a feeling that I will not be consistent enough if I have to manually sync and plug in my drives.

I will eventually build a dedicated NAS device when I have the funds, but what would you recommend as the solution then? My HTPC would stream off of the NAS and the NAS would also have a copy of my SSD and storage HDD, while the original SSD and HDD would remain on my desktop, as well as the backup for my media. At that point I can either automatically sync them weekly or I can manually sync them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would also like to do regular updates on the drive with my OS by cloning it.

 

[jsmithepa]

I am in the school that backups should be off line when you are done backing up, I know this is not convenient, but backup definition is first and foremost, availability and reliability of the data.

The frequency and methods depends how much your stuff changes and must you be up to date 24x7 (like you are running a business and cannot lose, even 1 video from your library).

You are right to discard RAID, RAID IS NOT BACKUP and I will leave it there.

So lets say you eventually gets this NAS and you want automatic backup because lets face it, if it's a chore, one tend to not do it. Fine, when you get the NAS, you can setup some sort of automated backup and the chance of both your main computer and NAS failing at the same time is minimal, but have your heard of ransom ware? this scary monkey encrypt all your media and to get the key to decrypt them, you have to pay this guy whatever he asks, even government is been hit with this monster and there is no recourse. Anything that is online can be hit with &^#( like this ransom ware, reason why I prefer my backups to be off line. Lots of things for you to think, there is no one answer.

I do have a recommendation for your SSD. OS and Programs tend to be fairly static, hopefully you have kept everything here on C:, use an OS imager like Macrium (free) but there are others, and before you make a major change, do a Windows update (I prefer my updates to be manual for control purposes), make an image backup. Anything wrong, virus infection etc, you can restore this OS+Programs fairly quicky and no wasting time running a virus cleaner.