Back up hardware- External hard drive

[Nathaniel]

I have been backing up and saving all my files on long life CD's and memory sticks but I would now like to compact all these into an external hard drive. Can any member recommend/suggest an external hard drive for my desk top computer. I use windows Vista. I might mention that I still have got all my files-documents and pictures on my computer still.

Many thanks

Nathaniel

[paul linton]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Hi Nat

Just pop along to PC world and take a look at what they have, they're all fairly cheap now so it all depends on how much storage you require.
I use a 1TB seagate but have used other makes and models without any problems and all you need to do is just plug them into the usb port(they come with the cable) and away you go no messing around with any software so ready to use straight away.

Paul

[Columbarius]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Nat,

You might want to consider setting up your own "Cloud" using a NAS (Network Accessible Storage) device such as manufactured by Western Digital. For extra security you can buy one with dual RAID (duplexed) drives so that you can recover your data if one drive fails. Your cloud can also be accessed remotely through the internet should you wish to do this.

[paulr5604]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Nat,

I use a seagate 1TB drive. I did hear somewhere the other day that it is a good idea to backup your external drive every 10 years aswell as the data can be lost over time. If you wanted to go the whole hog I would get a NAS system basically a housing that can hold more than one hard drive and automatically backs things up to each drive installed or which ever drive you choose.

Having said this if you are just looking to replace your CD's and just have 1 external drive I can recommend Seagate and Western Digital drives I have used both and have had no issues with them. I would suggest that if you have a USB3 output on your computer that you get a USB3 compatible drive as the write/read speeds are a lot quicker

[Tigger]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

I use a 4tb Samsung usb drive - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Slim.../dp/B00ZQXP3Q2

loads of space for all your photos and docs

[antoeknee]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

I use a 4tb Samsung usb drive - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Slim.../dp/B00ZQXP3Q2

loads of space for all your photos and docs

I use same drive but have 2 and use free bit of software to mirror first to second.

[Tigger]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

I use same drive but have 2 and use free bit of software to mirror first to second.

its a great little unit, just plug it into the usb and no mains required, then drag files.. I back that up as well but needed a large drive

[Nathaniel]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Many thanks for all your good advice. I will call round my local PC world and see what they have got- just to get an idea.

[Tigger]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Many thanks for all your good advice. I will call round my local PC world and see what they have got- just to get an idea.

save yourself the trip Nat and check online with PC world, you may well find buying via Amazon is a lot cheaper

[John Liddle]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

I use same drive but have 2 and use free bit of software to mirror first to second.

Anthony - which bit of free software?

[Stan]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Nat didn't we discuss all this over 12 months ago and you are still using CD's to back up

External hard drives are so cheap these days in the long term they work out much cheaper than CD's and arnt as prone to failure

PC world is the place to check out - I have been using 2 tb WD Elements drives, one as the main and a second one as backup, Dee has 2 for hers as well - they were only around £50 each

Stan

[antoeknee]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

There are quite a few but I use Syncback. There are both free and paid versions. Easy to set up too.

Nat, generally I'd say forget PCWorld as prices are too high unless you happen on a special offer. Amazon will usually have same or better for a lot less.

[scarletti]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Another drive to consider is the Western Digital My Passport Wireless drive.

While I think the wireless part is a waste of time (for me anyway), it still functions as a standard USB drive. It also has a built in SD card reader and a built in battery, so it allows you to back up your memory card in the field without a computer. It's a bit more expensive than a standard external USB drive, but I think it's worth it for the added flexibility.

[antoeknee]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Actually just checked and these were drives I got.

3TB and £76

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C9TEOCA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

[John Liddle]

Re: Back up hardware- External hard drive

Anthony - thanks for identifying the software.