The Cook > wrote:

>I have found that putting all or almost all of my data files in one
>folder (with sub folders) makes it very easy to backup. Just move the
>top level folder to the backup software and let 'er rip.
If anyone is interested, I use what I have found to be the cheapest,
most effective backup solution for the home. I'll simply copy and
paste what I posted somewhere else. I highly recommend it. I used to
use a tape drive here, but after I set up the home network, it became
ridiculously complicated. To add a detail I left out: the drive I
image to is internal. I connect a firewire drive and copy the latest
image to it, then take it offsite. I have immediate availability to
restore lost files or recover a dead machine, and offsite availability
in case of a disaster. In case of the latter, I can image the drive
to a new machine, bring it up in safe mode or recovery console, fix
incompatible drivers and I'm done.

For work, I use CA Brightstor 11.1 and multiple IBM LTO-2 8-tape
changers, using Maxell 200/400 gigabyte tapes.
Since that's not exactly going to happen at home I added another HD,
twice the size of the one to back up, and use Drive Image, storing
several generations of images on the other drive. If you lose a file,
you can restore it. If you hose the machine, you can replace the HD,
restore the image, and you're exactly where you were at last backup.
I have done it a couple of times on my daughter's computer, and it's
dead easy. The backup itself takes less than an hour. It's so much
easier and cheaper and more effective than anything I can think of
for the home. I think the software was $99. No media to buy.
More effective if you use a removable or firewire HD and store
offsite.