Backing Up

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited 12:08PM in AAT member discussion
I think the subject of backing up has been discussed in the forum before, but as different methods are being created all the time, I thought I would ask for opinions again.

I currently back up onto CD, but am considering looking into backing up online automatically.

Does anyone use the BT Digital Vault? If so do you have any opinions on it? Or could anyone recommend any other companies to use for backing up online?

I'm hoping to get recommendations so that I know I'm backing up with a genuine company and one where I know my back ups are safe!

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    Hi Sue

    I use BT digital vault and haven't had any problems with it. Takes ages (despite having broadband) so I just set it running then go off to relax with a book.

    Sharon
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    Hi there

    I use CD and also depositit

    http://www.depositit.com/

    I have used it for about a year - it all happens automatically and doesnt take very long at all.

    I have never had to restore a back up, so can't vouch for that bit of it.

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    Hi

    Thanks for your response, I'll have a look at both. I'm trying to decide between an external hard drive and backing up online. I do like the idea of the back ups happening automatically and being stored online, because of course you could then access them anywhere, but going through a Company I've not heard of does worry me, which is why I thought I'd ask for recommendations. Do you know if there is anyway of checking the data is secure? Do you just back up the C Drive and that stores everything including Sage (if you use it) and emails? Or do you have to back up Sage companies individually, which is what I do now?

    Sue
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    I have various back ups -

    1. Sage (weekly) and I have a separate file called backups.

    2. My equivalent of my documents.

    3. M/S outlook which has all emails, addresses, etc etc.

    4. PTP which is my tax software

    5. My payroll back ups.

    If I lose everything else it is not the end of the world....

    Depositit was recommended on/by Accounting Web, and they won last year (I think) the Which Computing secure backup award thingy - she says in a vague way that seemed impressive at the time, but now can't remember the exact details :oops:

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    Having had my hard drive crash and burn recently (aargh!) I have heavily researched back-up media and I use the current set-up:

    Firstly, online back-up of critical data using zuuBackup.com. They are the second online backup service I have used and they are very cost effective and their console is easy to use. The data can be accessed from my computer using their console or from anywhere using web access. I believe this costs around £50 per annum whereas my previous provider was £10 per month for 2 gB of space.

    I do actually retrieve data fairly regularly - usually when my assistant saves over my templates!

    I back-up all critical data (Sage files, client files, PTP data files, templates, email archives, bookmarks etc.).

    This used to be my only form of backup, however, if your hard drive crashes then you have to reinstall windows, all your programs, all your settings and then restore the data - time consuming!

    So now I use a second hard drive and a program called Casper XP. This software will clone your system hard drive overnight or as often as you would like. This means that if my first drive crashes I can just turn off and reboot from the second hard drive. No data lost, no settings lost, nothing to reinstall!

    This can be a real time saver. The added bonus is that if you develop a virus/spyware/trojan (as I did a few weeks back). You can reboot from the spare drive, format the virus ridden drive, and then reclone - problem resolved very quickly and painlessly. I cannot recommend this program enough and it's only about £25. First backup of an 80gB drive takes around 50 minutes. Subsequent backups only add changed data and take around 5 minutes.

    I also looked into external hard-drives which, again, can be set up to back up overnight or at the touch of a button. For me the only advantage to an external is that you can then physically move the drive away from the computer each night in case of fire or theft.

    You cannot boot a computer from an external hard drive and that is a major disadvantage to me so I do not use one.

    Hope that helps.

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    Sue
    Regarding Sage backups - Yes you do have to do individual company backups using the Sage backup facility. You can't rely on the fact that the data is on your hard drive then being copied to another medium because you can't restore from those files.

    Those who are used to Sage Line 50 2007 will already know that the backup routine has changed. The default Sage setting backs up all the data - reports, templates etc for each company. If I did this for all my companies I would have to buy more storage space on my online backup. Currently I am making my backup choices at each backup. Does anyone know if you can change the default settings permanently to your own choices. Please also warn my if I am playing with fire here - I usually choose to back up data and audit trail files.

    I use an online backup and also copy everything to CD regularly. My online backup is not the cheapest on the market but the software is easy to use and the support is very good. I pay about £10 per month.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Backing Up

    Thanks for all the advice.

    I've looked quickly at the online companies you've suggested but am going to have a proper look and also look at the second hard drive program, although my laptop does have a second hard drive, so I suppose that is an option. I definitely want to do more than I am currently which is backing up to CD and Memory stick. I don't want to lose everything and have to go back to my clients and start again!!

    Looks like I'll have to continue with backing up individual companies in Sage, I'm currently backing up all the files each time, but that is obviously why I'm getting low on space on my laptop, so it looks like it's time for a major housekeeping excerise!!!!

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