Backing up ~40GB of Photos/Video Clips.

Raiser

This is all the Baby pictures and days out/holidays etc. so a high sentimental value and not replaceable - I have two copies of the data at all times but only in my house (ie. one location) and so obviously not safe for fire/theft.

I want to get this done ASAP and leave a stack of DVDs in my parents house or some other remote location.

I downloaded a few candidates but they were all problematic in some way or another. What I want is a simple, logical way to back up the data where it retains the chronological order, does not need obscure proprietary software to restore it etc.

Don't particularly care about how it gets the job done/utilises disc capacity - just would really appreciate recommendations on what works for you folks

maggy_thatcher

I'd recommend an on-line storage site; so you don't need to worry about them.

For photos, I use flickr. For US$24.95/year, you get unlimited storage of photos (and videos up to 90 seconds long), and a nice easy API to push the images up. I haven't tried bulk downloading them again afterwards, but I've never had a need to do it. It keeps them all in chronological order, using the datestamps on the original pictures, and allows you to create albums etc.

If you have 40GB that you need to upload in one go, I'd recommend checking your ISP allowances to ensure you don't get exceed your bandwidth allowances, or push them up more gradually.

maggy_thatcher

Alternatively, if you want a disk based solution, just grab a cheap USB Hard drive, plug it in and use a backup tool. For this, I use Time Machine, but if you use Windows, obviously that isn't going to work for you I believe Vista comes with some kind of backup utility program, but I haven't looked into it in any detail.

Tallon

+1 for a removeable hardrive
You can pick up these anywhere and from any size

+1 for online storage
Use www.pix.ie for your photos,free to sign up unlimited storage and very easlily viewed by your family & friends. You can even make them private if you like

ColonelCarnage

Buy an external HDD for cheap. A 250gb runs around 60-70 euros so a smaller one than that would be even cheaper if u can find one.

Get all your files.

1) Ctrl+A files

2) Ctrl+C

3) Ctrl+V onto shiny new external HDD

Aeneas

Downloading photos onto separate discs is usually a pain. The process itself is time consuming and then there is all the labelling involved. An external hard drive is a good option. Copying photos is quick and retrieval easy. I use an Iomega external hard drive. It provides 150GB of storage and is small (5ins by 2.5ins), lightweight and portable. Cost about €100. But there are plenty of other options.

maggy_thatcher

ColonelCarnage wrote: »

Buy an external HDD for cheap. A 250gb runs around 60-70 euros so a smaller one than that would be even cheaper if u can find one.

Get all your files.

1) Ctrl+A files

2) Ctrl+C

3) Ctrl+V onto shiny new external HDD

The reason I suggested to use some form of backup tool is more so that as new images are added (s)he could periodically just plug in the disk again and update the contents. This is also why I think the online storage approach is better -- you don't have to remember to go off-site.

Voodu Child

Raiser wrote: »

What I want is a simple, logical way to back up the data where it retains the chronological order, does not need obscure proprietary software to restore it etc.

An external HDD (2.5" for portability, or 3.5" for value/capacity) and a simple sync tool such as Microsoft SyncToy (free) to keep the drive updated with your newest photos.

Raiser

Thanks for all the replies folks

- Yeah, I suppose I was stoopidly overthinking this one and needlessly complicating things!!!

Ardent

I use MozyHome for online backup. Something like $4.95/month, works when your PC is idle. To date, I have uploaded 60 gigs. Great service and peace of mind.