Re: [Thinkpad] new T43, partitions, backup

On 2006-03-05 8:40 AM, Anthony R. Gold wrote:
> It's often not possible to truly separate them. You usually can choose to
> install a program's binaries into a folder on another partition but
> critical, fragile (and the most vulnerable) aspects of their operation too
> often lies in the registry which must remain on the Window's OS partition.

Good point. That's why I switched from 3 main partitions to 2 - keeping
OS and Program Files on the same partition. Too many apps install
themselves to the registry, so there were always pieces in the OS
partition. Keeping OS and program files on one partition made sense.
Putting data files (e.g. My Documents) on a separate partition can work
- you can completely separate that.

> For true separation I suggest you look at http://portableapps.com/ where
> you will find web browser, mail client, word processor etc which can be
> installed onto USB thumb drives and which IMO is an excellent test of a
> separation existing between an application and the operating system.
> Those programs do run fine from hard drives.

Very true. I am familiar with portableapps.com (looks like they
redesigned the website recently), and use some of those apps on a USB
drive. Although I'm beginning to question the true advantage of
separating across partitions these days...

I am really grateful for the response from list members - it's gotten me
thinking about some things. Thanks for everyone's patience and
willingness to continue this discussion.

I think I may try going with one partition. The T43 will be the first
time I am using a laptop as my main machine (past laptops have
supplemented a main desktop machine). If I am away from the office,
having a backup of everything with me has its advantages (previous
backups have been to network drives and/or USB hard drive).

I can create an Acronis "Safe Zone" that isn't visible in Windows, and
have one of my backups be on the Thinkpad itself. Of course I would be
backing up somewhere else as well in case hard drive fails or laptop
explodes/gets lost. But having a backup image on the machine means that
I don't have to take the USB hard drive with me all the time. Disaster
on the road would mean only losing back to last local image.

This may be more appropriate in a different thread, but does anyone know
if the IBM system restore can be used as backup? That is, will it take
"snapshots" or do incremental backups? Or is it only for returning the
laptop to its factory state?

-- 
Ken Green
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