Backup

[computerstu]

My wife and I each have a computer, both are linked together in a network. Is there any reason we can't use each other's computers to store backup files?

My other question is that I'll be using Microsoft's backup tool to do periodically do a comprehensive backup (saved to my wifes's computer?), but I use several programs that create there own backup files each time I use these. Should I also store these on the other computer, then not include them in the comprehensive backup.

Lastly I need to figure out how to handle our backup files for Quickbooks. We both use it to work on one data file, so I guess would we do the same and store the main data file on one computer and the backup on the other?

 

[voyagerfan99]

I wouldn't do that. Both your computers could die (not likely but possible) and you could loose all your data.

I suggest getting an external hard drive for storage.

 

[sg1]

My other question is that I'll be using Microsoft's backup tool to do periodically do a comprehensive backup

Are we talking XP Pro or Vista here? PLUS I wouldn't trust my data backup to a M$ application !! I would use Acronis or(dare I say it) Norton Ghost.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Are we talking XP Pro or Vista here? PLUS I wouldn't trust my data backup to a M$ application !! I would use Acronis or(dare I say it) Norton Ghost.

I use the MS backup provided with XP and it works just fine!

 

[sg1]

good for you

 

[cohen]

I say a big external hard drive, attached to a computer will work.

 

[computerstu]

Why wouldn't it work to backup to each other's computer's. It is very unlikely that both will fail at the same time. You run the same risk of the external drive and one of the computers failing at the same time.

Using Microsoft's bacjup utility (in Xp) will I be able to save all the info on a CD, or is it the case where it will take 20 CD's to hold the backed up files? I don't plan on backing up the entire computer directory each time, but would like to do it once in a while.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Why wouldn't it work to backup to each other's computer's. It is very unlikely that both will fail at the same time. You run the same risk of the external drive and one of the computers failing at the same time.

Using Microsoft's bacjup utility (in Xp) will I be able to save all the info on a CD, or is it the case where it will take 20 CD's to hold the backed up files? I don't plan on backing up the entire computer directory each time, but would like to do it once in a while.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

The backup utility saves the backup as one file. Depending on the size of the backup in question will depend on how many CD's/DVD's you use. My documents backup for example is 24.1 GB.