<VV> Data backups - no Corvair

[Jim Houston]

We keep our backups in my gun safe -- sold a lot of my guns, so there's 
plenty of room!!

Jim Houston

Bob Gilbert wrote:
> And where it's REALLY critical keep an extra copy off site. We keep a copy
> of our family photos for example at my wife's office.
>
> Bob
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
> [mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of Bryan Blackwell
> Sent: January-15-09 8:42 AM
> To: Virtual Vairs
> Subject: <VV> Data backups - no Corvair
>
> Hi folks,
>
> Well, no direct Corvair anyway.  Every now and then I see a post to  
> VV which includes something like "I just lost my hard drive".  I'm  
> doing my beginning of year backups, so I thought I'd put a few  
> suggestions out there for your consideration.
>
>   - First of all, the most valuable part of your computer is the  
> data.  Insurance will replace the hardware in the event of a fire,  
> but all your contacts, saved tech tips, and photos will be gone forever.
>   - For daily or weekly backups, the simple thing to do is pick up a  
> USB hard drive or flash drive.  Some of the hard drives come with  
> software, or you can get a simple mirroring package.  I use  
> Chronosync for Macs, and SyncToy for Windows boxes.  I use a flash  
> drive when I'm on the road.
>   - If you have more than one computer and some spare disk space on  
> them, you can use the sync software to back up one to another.  This  
> has the advantage that if one dies, you have access to your data  
> immediately.
>   - Backup software has the advantage of keeping multiple versions,  
> which is great to protect you against accidental deletions.  The  
> latest version of OSX has Time Machine, which does exactly this.
>   - For disaster recovery, just get some CDs or DVDs, and burn copies  
> of your docs.  I suggest simple Finder or Explorer copies, so you  
> don't need any special software to read the disks.  Put these copies  
> in your safe deposit box at the bank (they are remarkably cheap).
>
> Final note: TEST the backup!  For the DR backup, use another computer  
> if at all possible - stop by a friend's house, pop in your DVD, and  
> open a file.  You'd be amazed how many people skip this step.  You  
> don't have backups unless you've tested them.
>
> So, what to back up?
>
>   - Any financial docs - e.g. TurboTax files from previous years.  I  
> also create a PDF of my returns.
>   - Address book.
>   - Family photos.  After financial docs, this is the thing people  
> miss most after a house disaster.  My entire collection fit on two DVDs.
>   - General documents.  If you're like me, you have your own  
> collection of Corvair tips and notes that you'd be lost without.
>   - If you purchased music, in many cases it's a one time only  
> download.  Back up anything you don't have on CD.
>
> Hope this helps somebody out.
>
> --Bryan
>
> Bryan Blackwell bryan at skiblack.com
> http://autoxer.skiblack.com/
>    Corvairs: '62 700 Wagon, '64 Greenbrier, '65 Corsa, '66 Corsa
>    '69 Road Runner, '97 Ford F-150, '99 Neon R/T
> "Why do something if you're not going to obsess about it?"
>
>
>
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