Redundant backups of two computers

[usr1235]

After years of relying on good fortune (and old emails), I've decided it's time to institute a backup system.

There are two computers (with different users, so I need to keep the files separate), a laptop and a desktop. After reading on the subject, I think I'd like two local backups, with one disconnected from power and the network (in case of malware, power surges, etc.).

I'm thinking of buying two external HDDs (probably 2TB WD Black Passports). Then I'd divide them into two partitions each, one for each computer. I could then connect one to the desktop, and host it on the local network, right? I'm hoping I can use windows 10 backup functionality (or third party if needed) so both the desktop and laptop can back up to their respective partition on the drive. Will that work like I think it does? Then the possibly harder part: I'd like to swap out the drives weekly or so. Is it possible to set up the backup software so that it understands I want to backup to whichever drive is connected? Can I initially connect the drives (one at a time I guess) and give the partitions the same drive letters, and have the backup software always backup to that letter? Let me know if that makes sense. And I know ideally I'd have offsite/cloud storage, which is a separate issue. Thanks!

 

[greens]

That doesn't really meet the definition of redundant though. You will still lose data if you lose a PC and the backup at the same time - you'd have to roll back to the last time you switched disks.

I'd rather see you use a simple NAS that has redundant storage, software RAID would be fine for your purposes. Two disks running mirrored is your best bet, that way you don't have to worry about parity or striping or any of that. And if one drive fails, you still have your data. even if the NAS fails or gets corrupted, data is going to be safe and sound on one of the drives for sure.

 

[usr1235]

Redundant probably wasn't the right word, sorry. There's nothing I do where rolling back a week is a real killer. I liked the idea of having one periodically offline because it survives any power or mobo issue that takes out all the connected drives, and in case I get malware that gets everywhere over the network. On top of all this I may end up also using a service like crashplan on the connected backup drive. The NAS with raided drives seems like a good system but is always on the network. On the other hand it's been years since I've had even a simple virus so maybe I'm going overboard...

 

[why_wolf]

Your router may be able to host a USB drive as a pseudo network drive which would make it easier for both machines to see it and upload backups to it.

Your two drive solutions is the cheapest way to go. Though depending on how often you change/create important files it may not offer enough protection if the current active backup dies and the cold storage drive was last used say two week ago. If you don't make changes often and don't want to spend lots of money then your way is the way to go.

Now if you want to spend some money you'd want to get a NAS, a simple 2 bay one, and have active real time backups to the NAS. Then for redundancy you'd make an external backup of the NAS every now and then in case of a total NAS failure; system or malware.

For offsite protection. Other than a friends house for free, I recommend having a safety deposit box and just sticking a backup drive in there along with any other important physical documents you may have.

 

[usr1235]

Ok, I had been shying away from NAS (price, necessity, etc) but in the interest of making it easy and future-proofing, I'm considering a two bay NAS with a couple of RAID 1 4 TB disks, set up backups, and then periodically make a backup with another external drive or maybe a cloud service, depending on desired frugality and laziness. Then we don't have to change our process whenever one of us starts working on a project that we do really care about losing a week's worth.

 

[greens]

NAS are prohibitively expensive.

I would suggest going with an embedded atom solution you can build yourself if you're comfortable.
Will knock a couple hundred off the total price, will perform better, last longer, etc.

 

[why_wolf]

I recommended the Qnap or Synology (DS216j is nice and cheap) NAS units. I've found them to be reliable and both have nice easy to use UI. Stay away from Buffalo, had nothing but trouble with their stuff.

 

[usr1235]

I was just looking at the ds216j. My needs are so simple I think that will work best. I think building my own would only be more economical for a larger array that was going to be more than a raid 1 backup box. Thanks everyone!