Tip
One: Set
up a Backup System for 2005!
[12-29-05:
This issue was updated with new links for the list of example firewire
drives.]
Get
started on your New Year's resolutions early. Here is a recommendation
for an easy, inexpensive backup solution for an individual user
or a small design studio.
Step
1: Buy several large FireWire Hard Drive(s).
Multiple
drives allow you to have an off-site copy of your data and multiple
backups for extra safety. Make sure you purchase drives large enough
to back up your entire studio (software, work, system, everything).
If price is prohibitive, get at least one drive. An example list
of drives below:
160GB
FireWire HD = $190 [Link]
250GB FireWire HD = $230 [Link]
500GB FireWire HD = $390 [Link]
1TB
(1,000GB) FireWire HD = $750 [Link]
2TB FireWire HD = $2050 [Link]
Step
2: Pick a program to automate nightly backups.
Currently,
we recommend choosing between two backup programs:
Single
Users: For backing up a single Mac OS X workstation we
recommend using Deja Vu. This $25 program provides simple, reliable
nightly backups. It is fairly easy to install and configure. Once
in place the program can automatically create daily, weekly or monthly
clone backups.
http://propagandaprod.com/dejavu.html
Studios:
For backing up a studio with many workstations, we recommend Retrospect.
This is one of more commonly used Macintosh backup programs. Many
designers report the interface a bit confusing at first. However,
when it comes to studio backups, Retrospect has few competitors.
http://www.dantz.com
[Note:
This is obviously a generic recommendation. If you would like a
customized system for your studio, schedule a 1-hour consulting
session with CreativeTechs' Craig Swanson (call 206-682-4315 or
email for an appointment).]
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