Simple backup methods
It is simple to back up files using Windows
Explorer. Just "select" the files,
folder or folders you want to backup >
right-click the group of files that you've
selected > choose copy > then paste
them in the folder where you want to put
your backup. You can also use right-click
and drag to copy files to their backup destination.
(left-click and drag is likely to do something
you don't intend). [Caution]
"Zip" programs (not to be confused with Zip drives) give
you another simple backup method. A "zip/unzip"
program offers file compression and can be
more convenient than copy and paste. Windows
XP creates Zip files directly (compressed
folders). UltimateZip is an excellent free zip/unzip program. [freeware] WinZip is another
powerful compression program that's easy
to use, but it's not free. [shareware]
CD Burner software can be used to create
backups of course. They even let you save
the list of files and folders you want to
backup as a project list. That seems great,
but there's a limitation. Suppose some of
the files have changed. Say that one has
been modified, one deleted and one added.
There's usually a way to verify that the
contents of a project have not been moved,
deleted, renamed, or modified since the last
time.
But there's a problem. There's usually no way to automatically add
any new files to the project list (list of
files to burn). The new files will not be burned to the
CD unless you add them manually. If you forget
to do it or miss some of them they won't
be on the CD. One solution is to create a
project list from scratch each time. Another
is to first create a backup set, say with
a Zip program or backup program, and then
burn the backup set.
FreeByte Backup
This is a simple backup program.
The major
advantage is that after you can
get a backup
list defined you can save it
as a "profile"
and then repeat the backup whenever
you want.
That way, you won't forget which
files you
need to back up. You add the
directories
that contain the files you want,
and use
a filter to limit the backup
to just the
files types you want to include.
I'd advise against using FreeByte Backup for incremental backups because it relies on the "archive"
bit to determine if the file
has changed
since the last time. I've found
that isn't
always a reliable method, and
you're liable
to miss some files.
ZipBackup
I tried ZipBackup just to see if it was something to recommend.
It seems just right to me for the average
user. Not too complicated, good user interface,
does just what it should and no more. Most
importantly, it's not too confusing to restore
files with. Use the option to append the
date and time to the backup filename. $29.95
Backup4all
I now use Backup4all to do my day-to-day backup, and I recommend
it for those who want a more
automated solution.
It uses its own file catalog
to keep track
of what's been backed up and
when. That's
the only completely reliable
way to do it
-- you can sometimes miss files
with other
methods.
Backup4all is easy to use, once you get the
hang of it, but it takes a while to learn
to use it. You'll want to experiment with
some (small scale) experimental backups to
find out just how it works though. Backup4all
Pro puts its backups in Zip files. That lets
you restore single files with just a Zip
file program in a pinch (Windows XP can do
this just fine by itself too). [see warning before using Backup4all]
Microsoft backup programs
Windows 98 comes with a program simply called
"Backup". Go to Start > Programs
> Accessories > System Tools > and
click the Backup shortcut. This is a powerful
backup program, but a little clunky to use.
I've used it extensively in the past with
good results. Backups made with Windows 98 "Backup"
cannot be opened with any other program,
including the backup program for Windows
XP, so don't try to use it to transfer your
files to a new computer.
Windows XP Pro comes with a backup program called Windows
Backup (NTbackup). [Click Start > Programs
> Accessories > System Tools > Backup]
The user interface is a bit intimidating,
but if you're willing to experiment (using
some unimportant or dummy files) you can
probably figure out how to use it. It's virtually the same as the Windows 98
version, but the backup archives (file sets)
are not interchangeable.
NTbackup can be used on Windows XP Home too, but it's normally not installed. You
need to install it separately. It should
be on your Windows XP install CD If you don't have a real Windows CD,
NTbackup may be on your restore CD.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q302894
http://windows.about.com/library/weekly/aa020203a.htm
Don't confuse "Windows Backup"
(NTbackup) with "System Restore"
for XP. They aren't the same -- they compliment
each other. Don't expect NTbackup to perform
a complete restore of your C: drive. And
don't expect System Restore to backup your
data (documents, financial records, pictures,
email, etc.).
http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20020711S0009
http://www.woodyswatch.com/winxp/archtemplate.asp?2-n05
http://www.woodyswatch.com/winxp/archtemplate.asp?2-n06
ZDNet reports on backup programs in a series
of articles
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2865424,00.html
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2866116,00.html
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2866547,00.html
Backup using drive images
You cannot use ordinary backup programs to
back up your "system". Your system consists of Windows, drivers,
etc., plus some critical sectors on your
hard drive. These sectors cannot be handled
correctly as files, which is how ordinary
backup programs work. The solution is full
system backups, using a program designed for the purpose.
They make an exact bit for bit image of the
complete partition. I wouldn't be without
a drive imaging program.
| BACKUP MEDIA |
| Diskette (floppy) |
Pro: Cheap, universal (but being phased out).
Con: Unreliable, small capacity, slow, limited
life. |
1-3 yr life. |
| Tape Drive |
Pro: Large capacity.
Con: No random access, slow, limited life. |
1-3 yr life |
| Zip Drive |
Pro: Fast, somewhat universal.
Con: Expensive media, can be prone to failure. |
2-10 yr life |
| CD-R |
Pro: Cheap media, large capacity, long life.
Con: Slower than a hard disk or Zip drive.
Note: Life depends on the dye used.
CD-RWs are not as reliable as CD-Rs. CD-Rs
are inexpensive enough to use exclusively,
but don't buy cheap ones. |
5-30 yr life |
| Hard Disk |
A second hard disk is very convenient storage
for backups.
Pro: Fast with huge capacity.
Con: Not easy for the neophyte to install.
Offsite storage is not very feasible. |
2-10 yr life |
| External (USB) Hard Disk |
Another hard disk alternative. Read about my experiences before you rush out to buy one though.
Pro: Fairly fast with huge capacity and easy
to install. Offsite storage is feasible.
If you have one computer at Happy Trails
and another at home, you can shuttle all
your files between the two.
Con: The external case and power supply add
about $120 to the basic hard disk cost. |
2-20 yr life |
|