From: Chuck S. (probepro_at_mindspring.com)
Date: Sat Apr 15 2000 - 12:51:49 EDT
Hi Eugene,
As an IT professional for 25 years, a backup has always been a
"tape-backup". But I am intrigued by the disk-to-disk and disk-to-CD
suggestions. Laptops aren't UNIX servers, so there is no reason to expect
they should be backed-up the same way. But if my gray hairs have taught me
anything, it's I want to be to the right of Patrick Buchanan on this issue.
This is no time to be innovative. I want the simplest, most reliable
solution - a single purpose tape backup device.
I bought a Iomega 10 MB (5 uncompressed) parallel port Dittomax just before
Iomega's tape backup division was bought out by Tecmar. It's surprisingly
fast, and the backup software is very good. I paid $110 for the unit - the
tapes are about $30. Because it's an external device, it's portable and can
be used on other systems. Tecmar now sells the unit under their label.
If you are willing to spend a few more bucks, www.Onstream.com has the best
price/performance tape backup devices. I'm using model DI30 EIDE 30 GB
compressed internal drive on an Athlon 550 w/ 20 GB 7200 RPM hard disk.
Backup throughput is between 45-60 MB per minute, and the included backup
software is excellent. For example, the software maintains a database wich
allows you to recover a single file or your entire system to a particular
point-in-time. This feature can be very useful for "check-pointing" your
system after you install new software. I make a fast differential backup
before and after installing software. Then, if there is a problem, I can
restore the system to just before or after the software was installed by
entering the time & date to rollback to. Tape backup devices usually
include good backup software or can be used with good 3rd party backup
software. Disk-to-disk and disk-to-CD fall short.
Street price for the Onstream EIDE unit is about $240, tapes are $30. I
highly recommend this product. Onstream also makes an external USB and a
parallel port version that can be used with laptops and desktops, but these
cost more and are not as fast.
You'll sleep better if you get a tape backup device.
Pleasant dreams,
Chuck
----- Original Message -----
From: <Geza.Szivos_at_sivco.com>
To: "Eugene Iwasa" <acupuncturist_at_hotmail.com>
Cc: <thinkpad_at_cs.utk.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2000 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: Suggestions on backing up system (repost)
I have a Plextor 8/20 CD writer (with Adapec PCMCIA SCSI) which let you
create image backups from your system.
It will create BOOTABLE CD-ROM images for restoring.
Works with FAT16/FAT32/NTFS/HPFS and Linux drives. During restore you even
can re-size the partition.
Works fine in our workgroup for everyone.
(We are using it on Thinkpad 760CD, 810M 2.1G 3G, 5.1G, 8G 14.1G on
Thinkpad 770 series)
Geza
Geza Szivos
mailto:Geza.Szivos_at_SIVCO.com
System Analyst/eDBA
Certified VisualAge for C++ Object Oriented Developer,
Certified WebSphere, DB2 and VisualAge Java Associate Developer,
VisualWarehouse Specialist, Certified IBM OS/2 Engineer, Certified Warp
Server Engineer
SIVCO Inc.
«Calgary, AB» «Buffalo, NY» «Olympia, WA»
Visit our web page
http://www.sivco.com
Head office:
118 Arbour Summit Close NW
Calgary, Alberta Canada
T3G 3W2
Toll Free Call: (877) 700-2600
Toll Free Fax: (877) 547-4741
In Calgary call (403) 208-2600
Cellular (360) 481-2828
"Eugene Iwasa"
<acupuncturist_at_ho To: <thinkpad_at_cs.utk.edu>
tmail.com> cc:
Subject: Suggestions on
backing up system (repost)
04/12/00 09:39 PM
Please respond to
"Eugene Iwasa"
I'm reposting this since it didn't get mailed back to me as part of the
Thinkpad list.
I recently purchased a 240 that I'm having serviced for a faulty
modem. When I get it back, I'd like to back up the entire system so that I
can restore the laptop without using IBM's recovery diskette/CD (my
Addonics
CD-RW will not work with the IBM recovery software).
Can people suggest some options for backing up the entire laptop (6.4 GB)?
I've been looking mainly at tape drives, and I'm also wondering if
networking my laptop to my desktop for backing up data would be a good
solution. I also wonder is it possible to back up my entire system with the
CD-RW I already own? I searched through the help section of the Adaptec
software that came with the CD-RW, but there is no mention of backing up an
entire system, only backing up data that would fit onto a single disk.
Any input would be appreciated.
Eugene
P.S. Thanks to Benjamin Koh and Steve C. for their replies to my recent
inquiry on creating a DOS boot diskette. BTW, if anybody owns an Addonics
CD-RW and would like a DOS bootup diskette, write me.
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