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.

Backup files
Mastercook
Quicken
BookCat


Most programs can have their working data files in folders other than
the ones originally specified by the program so I have them in the
backup folder. I still have a couple of programs that I need to
educate. Mastercook is one of them. Will let you know if I am able
to do it. Now I just copy My Collection to the backup folder.

I do not make copies of programs since almost all of them have to be
installed and copying them from a backup won't work. I do I have the
file each of the programs that have been downloaded from the net.
They are also in the backup files folder. It is also a good idea to
make sure that you know where the original of the program is and any
key that may be needed.

This method does not guarantee that you will do a backup regularly.
Having the folders in one mail folder makes it much easier to see what
does need to be backed up.


--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral, 48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974)

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.

"The Cook" > wrote in message
...
>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.
>
> Backup files
> Mastercook
> Quicken
> BookCat
>
>

<snipped>

That's exactly what My Documents is for in Windows.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.

When Windoze 95 came out they had a folder called My Documents. I
though this was a great idea. Store any modified data in that folder
and subdirectories under the folder and back it up. It is 10 years
later and it has yet to fully catch on.

What a shame.