<VV> Data backups - no Corvair

[Bryan Blackwell]

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?"