Computer backup systems are critical as home computers approach the terabyte limit. The best system depends on personal needs, preferences, skills, and financial considerations. Options include external drives, disk images, dedicated clone drives, RAID, and remote backup services. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
A computer backup system is critical with home computers approaching the terabyte limit. Rebuilding the operating system alone can take a long time even if the data files were stored on compact discs or other media. The best computer backup system for an individual depends on many factors, including personal needs, preferences, skills and financial considerations.
External magnetic tape drives provided convenient backups at a time when floppy disks or, later, compact discs were the alternative. While still widely used for backing up networks, most tape drives have extremely slow access times. With the prices of hard drives and cheaper alternatives falling, the magnetic tape drive is becoming a legacy and not the best choice for the home user.
Some people choose to use the software to create a disk image of their system. A disk image is a large compressed file that takes up much less space than cloning or copying a disk. The disk image can be saved anywhere, even on the main drive, although this is not the best place. It is safer to put the disk image on a secondary or external drive. In the event of a primary disk failure, the image can be used to recreate the system on a new hard disk.
The advantage of a disk image is that it consumes a relatively small amount of space. One drawback is that it cannot be accessed directly, but must be restored by the software that created it. This may mean booting from a proprietary CD to enter the recovery process. While the procedure isn’t complicated, it can be a bit nerve-wracking having to “jump through hoops” to rebuild the system.
A better computer backup system dedicates a secondary hard drive as a clone for the primary drive. If the primary disk fails, the secondary disk takes its place. No recovery required, no downtime, and no hassles. Simply boot from the backup drive and go about your business.
Software like the popular Acronis can clone a primary disk to a secondary disk in minutes. The secondary disk can be installed internally or it can be housed in an external enclosure. In the event of a disk failure, a desktop or laptop has the ability to boot from an external device so that work can continue using the external (or secondary) drive until the failed drive is replaced. At that point the external drive is cloned to the new primary drive.
The nice thing about this computer backup system is that there are no hurdles to overcome and you don’t have to wait for a replacement drive to keep working. Your clone is ready from the moment the main unit fails. If the secondary drive is housed externally, you can also store it in a secure location such as a locked, fireproof safe. The disadvantage of using this computer backup system is that you need to buy a new disk and the entire disk needs to be dedicated as a clone.
Another solution that uses two disks (minimum) is RAID or Redundant Array of Independent Disks. Both drives are installed internally, making this solution desktop-only. RAID has different types or methods of operation, referred to as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 2, etc. RAID 1 is a mirror technology, meaning that everything written to the primary drive is written to a secondary drive at the same time, maintaining a constant duplicate or mirror of the primary drive. If one of the drives fails, it is replaced and the mirror drive copies itself to the replacement drive.
An advantage over the previous computer backup system is that both drives are always up to date. Disadvantages include setting up RAID (a motherboard function), which can be technically challenging. RAID 1 also doubles the load on the computer’s processing unit (CPU) which could slow down some systems. Also, mirroring opens the door to corruption of both drives with the same malicious event. Using the solution above if a system comes up after installing a program, for example, you can use the “offline” clone drive to copy over the primary drive, returning it to a previous state.
If you’re not inclined to add a dedicated clone drive, remote backup services are available online. Users sign up for the service, set up credentials to access a secure server, and use the site’s software to back up their system to the remote web server.
Benefits include ease of use and online access to your computer backup system from anywhere in the world. The backup is also safe from damage that could affect your personal computer due to natural disasters or theft. The disadvantages include the inherent risks of putting data on a server that is not owned by you and over which you have little ultimate control. It’s also important to note that you can’t boot from a remote online backup.
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