"Kate" <@*slamaspam*.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:OXEDorSOIHA.6060@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>
> "Patrick Keenan" <test@dev.null> wrote in message
> news:%23OYGPRSOIHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> "Kate" <@*slamaspam*.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
>> news:u9b3pAOOIHA.4176@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>I am thinking of installing the above Backup utility. Can anyone
>>>confirm that it saves in the file`s native format, please?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>> Kate
>>
>> As noted elsewhere, you are asking about synchronization. However,
>> this is extremely inefficient, and a better plan is to use a backup
>> app that is reliable and has a well-understood file format.
>>
>> For example, Backup Plus uses the Zip format (though its files are
>> named .bac). The Zip file format is very well understood and very
>> reliable, and there are plenty of utilities should things go wrong.
>> You are by no means tied to any one application to read them.
>>
>> The one problem with it is that it can't create files larger than 4
>> gig, due to a limitation in its zip engine.
>>
>> Backup programs normally contain CRC checks to help protect and
>> detect the integrity of your data. It's quite possible to damage a
>> file in its original format, to the point where it can't be opened.
>
> Oh dear, I`m even more undecided now! I have been running scheduled
> backups on a QIC tapedrive for years, using Yosemitetech`s Tapeware,
> but the tapes are very expensive, do not last all that long, and
> backups were giving me a lot of grief recently. So, I bought an
> external USB 2.0 HD and downloaded a trial version of Yosemitetech`s
> Backup Desktop. Then someone pointed out that, as all my backups are
> in the Yosemite format, I am now obliged to use their software in
> order to do restores should they prove necessary.
Actually, you are obliged to do this once.
Do a restore to a new location, then you can use whatever you like to back
them up again in another format.
Of course, if the source data is the same, and if you have all of it, you
can just switch formats and walk away from the old backups; you don't then
need to do a restore.
> It also occurred to
> me that, as I cannot view the backed up files either on tape
You should be able to view the files. That's a pretty basic function of a
reasonable backup program. You may have to mount the tape or image, but
you should be able to browse and pick out files.
One problem with tape is that being sequential, it's very slow.
Many backup programs can also write to CD/RW and DVD/RW as long as packet
writing software is installed, such as Nero's InCD, Sonic DLA, or Roxio
DirectCD. XP does not have the built-in ability to do this. Packet
writing software will format the optical disk so it can be written to just
like any other disk. These disks can be quite inexpensive now.
> or the
> HD, I cannot know if they are correct. I have to take it on trust that
> they are. Hence, I thought that if I copied them in their native
> format, I would be able to check that they had saved correctly.
The issue is more likely to be media degradation. Tapes wear, hard disks
fail, DVDs probably last longest but not forever.
During the copy process for any backup, CRC checks should be happening and
you should see errors in the logs or on screen if there is file damage.
> I
> don`t really need to synchronise my files, I suppose, but I thought it
> would be easier than trying to remember to save two copies of every
> new or changed file.
At businesses, we normally use a set of five DVDs or CDs and an incremental
backup. All the systems are set to back up specific files every night, and
the CD is changed every morning by a specific person - it's their first
task. This means that there are always five copies, with one no more than
a day old. And periodically, another copy is made for offsite storage.
It's important to periodically check the backups. They shouldn't be
regarded as a black hole.
> Incidentally, I shall still back up to tape as
> well, and I also burn our photos on DVD. It might be overkill, but I
> shall then have three different types of media to choose to restore
> from in the event of a disaster. Can`t be too careful!
It's not overkill. A single backup is almost never enough. Store one
offsite, pretty much *anywhere* else. This is important in case of things
like fire.
>
> Kate
>
>> I use a combination of an imaging program and Backup PLus or other
>> Zip utility, depending on context.
>>
>> HTH
>> -pk
>>
>