mac users, backup software advice needed..

[blonde]

hey guys,

so i got my new external harddrive (finally) and now i am trying to find a software that will help me create a good back up process. here is what i am looking for in the software:

1) should be able to have a set schedule option that will allow me to do backup every week or so at a set time.

2) i would prefer if it had a sync option where it will only backup new or edited files. for example, if i took 30 new images or changes 3, it will automatically update these on my backup drive.

3) must be proven and reliable. no point in having another hard drive if the software does not do the backup as it is supposed to.

i think that this is pretty much it.

thanks

Snir

[Seamless]

The easiest search technique would be to include Mac software sites, among them
Macintosh Products Guide at the Apple website
http://guide.apple.com/index.lasso

From products among the dozens listed, you might want to consider:

1)
http://www.apple.com/dotmac/features.html
Backup 3 (part of the services bundled with a .mac subscription, from Apple):
Protect your precious memories with this powerful upgrade to .Mac Backup. Scheduled automatic backups are as easy as 1-2-3.

Back up your iLife files with a single-click
Customize your own backup plans in minutes using QuickPicks or a Tiger Spotlight search
Archive your iLife photos, movies, and purchased music in a single step with preset backup plans
Set flexible schedules that automatically update archives for you
Back up important files to your iDisk (keeping them secure on Apple’s servers), a hard drive, iPod, CDs, or DVDs
Save time and archive only what you’ve changed since your last backup using incremental backups

Note that this is an Internet file service (if you have faith any such service will be available for a long time), and requires a subscription to the .mac service, but does allow access to your files wherever you can connect to the Web.


2)
http://www.cmsproducts.com/product_bounceback_software.htm
from their website:
Fast Data Recovery
If you’ve ever had a hard drive fail or a computer stolen, you know the pain associated with the loss of data and the time associated with getting up and running again. BounceBack creates an exact copy of your computer hard drive enabling you to replace your failed hard drive with your backup drive or boot directly from your external backup drive (Mac only).

Quickly Restore Lost Files
Accidental deletions and misplaced files are a fact of life. Fortunately, CMS’ QuickRestore feature offers immediate access to all previously backed up files. Just select the items to bring back and click on Restore.

Save Multiple Versions of Files*
Have you ever been working on a document, gone through several versions, and then realized the first or second draft was the best? With BounceBack, changed files are backed up and maintained individually allowing you to review and compare all backed up versions of the same file.

3)
Retrospect, a product that for years and years I've used and helped client offices set up

http://www.emcinsignia.com/products/homeandoffice/retroformacintosh/
formerly marketed by Dantz, now EMC Insignia.
PDF available there with features list.

[blonde]

thanks for the info. i did find many sites with tons of softwares but i wanted to hear first hand experience from users. i will look into the retrospect software :)

[blue_max]

I use a little utility that came with my Lacie drive (Silverkeeper). As a graphic designer, I need to have a reliable backup that works reliably too and it does. I have had to backup my main hard drive from the backup and it was completely successful.

It is downloadable from the Lacie site.

http://www.lacie.com/silverkeeper/

Graham

[Khaled]

I use Backup which is a utility that you can only use when you have .mac subscription. It saved me lots of times...

[Double Negative]

This doesn't fall under "easy" for most people, but if you're Unix saavy I would hook up an external drive and run an "rsync" which copies/synchronizes files and folders across drives or even the Internet. You can then remove the drive for off-site storage.

Either that or store your photos in DVD-R sized folders and just burn a DVD or two each time you reach the size necessary.

[fivefish]

1) should be able to have a set schedule option that will allow me to do backup every week or so at a set time.

2) i would prefer if it had a sync option where it will only backup new or edited files. for example, if i took 30 new images or changes 3, it will automatically update these on my backup drive.

3) must be proven and reliable. no point in having another hard drive if the software does not do the backup as it is supposed to.

Shirt Pocket's SUPERDUPER!

http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

Will do all your (3) requirements and more.

I've used it for 2 years now I think. It will even make your external FW drive bootable, just like the source drive. Different options for copying/backup.

[blonde]

i got a software called Tri-Backup. i set it up and so far, it looks very promising. i ran a full backup the first time and than set it on a schedule to run every day at 7am. i created a few neew files and dumped them in my internal drive so i can see if it does in fact only updates the new or changed files and it did. when i got up this morning, i hhad all the new files in the backup drive...

[Plasticman]

Blondi,

Check out ChronSync. I think it was around $30.00 and this includes lifetime upgrades.

http://www.econtechnologies.com/site/Pages/ChronoSync/chrono_overview.html

[Dante King]

I am a retrospect type of guy.

[DavidEB]

DataBackup from www.prosofteng.com.

backup manually or on your schedule, option to only back up new or changed files, also allows version tracking (can set to keep most recent N versions), compression, selective directories.