How do I get started using a tape drive to back up?

[Atomicchewbacca]

Hello,
I am looking to get started using a tape drive to back up my desktop and several computers . The main problem is , I'm not sure where to start or what to get ,and more importantly is it practical to use a tape drive in a home setting ? I read that the tapes can store lots of data for backing up and was hoping someone can help me with this question .
Thank you.

 

[BadAsAl]

I would advise against tape drive:

http://www.storagecraft.com/blog/tape-backup-vs-hard-disk-backup-what-does-the-future-hold/

You have so many options but the basics are, have 1 backup onsite and 1 backup offsite for everything.
I like having each computer backup to a network attached storage drive, then I use Crashplan (Carbonite and other services work too) to backup that drive to the cloud.
If a fire/flood/theft occurs and everything is gone, I can at least get at my data in the cloud.

 

[Atomicchewbacca]

I would advise against tape drive:

http://www.storagecraft.com/blog/tape-backup-vs-hard-disk-backup-what-does-the-future-hold/

You have so many options but the basics are, have 1 backup onsite and 1 backup offsite for everything.
I like having each computer backup to a network attached storage drive, then I use Crashplan (Carbonite and other services work too) to backup that drive to the cloud.
If a fire/flood/theft occurs and everything is gone, I can at least get at my data in the cloud.

Thank you very much , that was very informative . I think I may purchase just one large hard drive and use my portable dock to back up.

 

[jsmithepa]

Tape drive!? haven't heard those things in ages.

Don't even have to read that blog. Today's HD space so cheap, and the potential amount to backup, plus slowness of a mechanical tape, tells me tapes not practical solution for today's need.