RE: How do I recover my old stuff?

["Al Geist" <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

Hi David,

Thanks for the compliments on the art site.

As for the backup process, I only back up the things I'm working on. I do
not back up the OS or any of the application programs. Since everything is
on a network, backing up is simply a matter of sliding from one drive to
another and walking away while the computer does its magic.

I really don't worry that much about stress on the hard-drive as I've had
some last as long as ten years without a problem and some last two years. I
can reload the OS and applications. I have automatic updates downloaded to
one of my external hard-drives so if I have to rebuilt the main unit, I have
all the information I need. I thought about making a disaster DVD, but
that's as far as I got.

My USB drives are connected to my network via a print server that has extra
USB ports. It ain't pretty, but it's inexpensive and it works. My two Epson
Printers are also connected to the network through the same server.

Creating the DVD is an automated task that only requires me to slip in
additional DVDs if I need more than one, and labeling the contents.

As for saving digital photos....I have several 8GB memory cards and if I'm
on an extended trip, I bring the laptop and a portable external drive. I've
only come close once to running out of memory....we were on a whale watching
trip and I shot 450 images in less than an hour. I can't tell you how much
fun that was.

I have thought about a NAS device with building in tape or DVD archiving,
but I just had to buy a new printer (Epson R1900) and the family comptroller
said no more toys until I refill the coffers.

BUT....you have some good ideas. The whole key in my opinion is to work
within your budget and make the process as painless as possible. Nobody
should have to work at backing up files when it's 80 degrees out with clear
skies and an ice cold beer waiting to be tasted.

Time to go to the other office.

Al Geist
Technical Communicator, Help, Web Design, Video, Photography
Office/Msg: 802-872-9190
Cell: 802-578-3964
E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
Website: www.geistassociates.com
See Also:
Fine Art Photography
Website: www.geistarts.com
 
"...I walked to work, quit my job, and kept walking. Better to be a pilgrim
without a destination, I figured, than to cross the wrong threshold each
day." (Sy Safransky)
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