h a l f b a k e r y"It would work, if you can find alternatives to each of the steps involved in this process."
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E-Z-Back
Make computer backup easy, painless. | |
Everyone knows that only a small percentage of people back up their computer. I think the problem is the software - it is too complicated for most casual users, and too time consuming. E-Z-Back is software that runs in the backround and has only one Button displayed on the screen (QuickLaunch bar?).
The software comes with a case for storing discs and either 100 CD-RWs or 20 DVD-RWs that are pre-labelled "Backup 1, Backup 2", etc. (more can be added).
The software is as simple as possible - basically the Backup Button starts the process and asks the user for the next disc in the series. It proceeds to back up one disc full of incremental data and ejects it - Then Does Nothing Else. It does not intrude, or beg for more discs, it simply waits for the user to come along and do a new Backup session - at their convenience. The software simply "waits" for the next session and continues backup from there.
The recommended method of use would be to do a "Backup" any time the user is stepping away from the computer for more than an hour. It might not be the most up-to-the-moment method of backing up, but its non-intrusiveness and ease of use might make it more likely for people to use it.
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Does this backup fit on one disk? If not, the "Backup 1" set will need the additional labels "1 of 20", "2 of 20", etc.
I do a very simple backup of important settings and files, and it occupies 9GB, compressed. This would require 2 DVDs or about 14 CDs. |
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What happens while the software "waits for the next session"? If PC files are changed, the backup is obsolete by the time you're finished making the disks. But maybe that's the idea -- compile a "backup" file, and allow copying at one's leisure, regardless of changes during the backup. I'd bet it's easy to find current software that does just that. |
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As long as we're simplifying -- an external hard drive can eliminate disk swapping, and make backups almost care free. |
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The description mentioned multiple discs - Backup 1, Backup 2, etc. for the backup. This type of backup would not be a snapshot backup - it would move through directories (alphabetically), and backup the files as they were during that particular session of backup. Sure, the files might change right after they are backed up, but the software moves on, does a complete backup of all the files, and then goes back and starts looking for incremental changes and backing those up too. |
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"Great! I still have all my Amos, Tori - XXX.mp3s! Oh CRAP! Financial Records.xls through Zebra Crossing are all gone!" [-] |
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At least you could listen to Tori Amos while recreating your Financial Records. |
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