Chuck The Geek.com

Backups: Questions to Consider

August 18th, 2007 by Chuck Sharp

I’ve been planning a huge post here for a year regarding how to figure out a backup solution. Every time I go down that rabbit hole, I emerge later right where I started. Instead of trying to solve the world’s problems here (at least for data security), I’ll just list some questions for you to ponder about your data. You see, everyone’s data is unique. Everyone has different data, and data means different things to each person. That means that no single backup solution is right for everybody. By ‘data,’ I mean anything you have stored in digital form somewhere: all files, email, pictures, documents, outlook info, phone contacts, etc. So, here are some questions:

1. What data do you have right now?
2. What data is extremely important to you?
3. Which of your data changes frequently? Infrequently?
4. For each of your different kinds of data you have, what’s the worst possible thing that could happen if you lost it?
5. Would you lose money if you lost any of your data?
6. Do you need to store previous versions of any of your data?
7. How sensitive is your data?
8. If you have any data you consider sensitive, where do you draw the line on where to store that data?

Now, there are a number of backup mediums for the PC user:

• Online backups like Mozy
• Local PC to PC backups over a shared folder
• Remote PC to PC backups over a shared folder using VPNs, like Hamachi
• Thumbdrive (USB drive) file copies
• External hard drive backups
• CD/DVD backups
• Web services, like Flickr for photos
• Your work’s file server (Be careful how you use this, it’s almost definitely being actively watched by your local IT geeks)

You also need to think about where to store your backups. You need to consider physical disasters, security, and accessibility. If you keep all your backups on the same computer, or even in the same house, what happens if your house burns down? On the other hand, you need to think about who will be able to put their hand on your backups if you keep them elsewhere. Finally, how easily can you get that backup back if you need it? Keep in mind that wherever you keep your backups, you can seal them in an envelope and use other low tech tricks like that to keep prying eyes out. Here are some ideas for places to keep your backups:

• In your desk
• In your safe
• In a friends safe
• In your safety deposit box
• In a locked office desk drawer

You may be wondering how I backup my stuff. Honestly, it changes every month (the price of too many choices). There are serious opportunities for improvement in my so-called system. Right now, I’m using a hodge podge scheme:

• I use software called subversion to keep my documents and digital library synced across all my computers. It keeps previous version as well, which is why I use this software versus simpler file syncing tools. It has a high geek factor too. The downside is that because of the way subversion works, every file being synced by subversion takes up twice as much space as it would otherwise.
• I use software that sync’s folders (Right now I’m using Allway Sync) across my network. I use the Hamachi vpn to connect all my PCs together.
• I create periodic DVD data backups and keep them at various locations.
• I’m using local external hard drives for certain data backups and archiving.
• I keep my calendar, lists, contacts, and most of my notes and electronic files on my palm handheld, synced with outlook. I’m now using Plaxo to sync outlook (and therefore my palm too) with google’s and yahoo’s calendars. Plaxo also keeps a backup of all that data online.
• I’m planning on using Mozy very soon for online backups.

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Entry Filed under: Information Technology, PC Basics