Data storage/backup suggestions welcome

[progressoid]

I have a rather convoluted system for storing my data and its time for something better.

I have data on few hundred DVDs and some external drives. Some of the files are stored on both for redundancy, but many are only on one or the other. This proved to be a problem recently when a drive died.

So, I'm looking at dealing with a minimum of 6TB of data with room to grow. Because the volume (and slow internet here), the cloud isn't really an option. Any preferences out there?



help...

[steve2470]

1. tape back up ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tape_drive

http://www.newegg.com/Backup-Drives/SubCategory/ID-46

[progressoid]

2. Ya know, I was just looking at newegg's site and saw those.

I hadn't considered it, but after doing a little reading, it might an alternative. Will have to look into it. Cost might be an issue...

[Mnpaul]

3. NAS Raid enclosure?

4 -2TB drives
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A4746183&dgc=SS&cid=267243&lid=4867792&acd=12309184332460814

[progressoid]

5. have you used one?

I've been reading mixed reviews on buffalo.

something like that was one of my first options, but I'm worried about laying out the money and time to transfer data only to find I have a lemon on my hands.

[Mnpaul]

8. No, I haven't used one

It was just a general suggestion not a endorsement of any particular brand.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

4. Which OS are you using?

I have fast internet here and with 6TB you're looking at quite a while whenever you do a cloud based backup.

I use an older version of: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822108123
(HDDs will be extra.)
Mine is currently populated to about 3.5TB. I use Win7 pro on most PCs. You need pro or ultimate to use the built in backup utility in windows to backup onto a network share such as the above NAS.

If all of your PCs use the home version it may be easier to buy another PC and load Windows Home Server 2011:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416443

If all or most of your data is on 1 PC the best and cheapest backup solution is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178117

Just some thoughts.

[progressoid]

6. Hmmm, you give me more to consider.

I like the synology option, but I'm running the home version of 7. My laptop is XP. Maybe it's time for an upgrade.

I have a decent spare PC that i could load with Server 2011 I suppose. I'm a little worried I would be in over my head though.

Thanks for the ideas.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. It's always a pleasure...

...to confuse and muddy the options for others.

Seriously, you're quite welcome. Let me know if you have questions.

ETA: BTW there's a storage/memory sale:
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Sep-0-2013/StoreitAllSale13/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL091313&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL091313-_-EMC-091313-Index-_-E0-_-AllStorage