I've only come across a couple of laptops with dual HD capability, so RAID isn't a viable option for Dave unless he happens to own one of those unusual models (and further, that it has a RAID controller built in).
As for flash drives, I'm not wildly enthusiastic about using them for backup, mainly because they're easy to lose, which also introduces security concerns unless you encrypt the data. They also can be accidentally overwritten (although some have write-protect switches, which is a good idea if you're using it for backup).
When thinking about backup in general, we have to consider several different scenarios from which we might need to recover:
- Data loss due to human error (accidental deletion, etc.)
- Viruses, spyware, and so forth
- Windows craps out
- Physical loss of the computer itself
- Hard drive failure
- Catastrophe such as fire, flood, etc.
Recovery, too, has different aspects. From the user's point of view, the recovery isn't finished until the user is back in business. So one important aspect of recovery is
minimizing downtime.
Reducing downtime is the main reason I prefer
Casper to most other hard drive backup solutions. Casper works from within Windows, does not require rebooting, does not require extracting a proprietary archive, can be scheduled to run automatically, and produces a bootable clone. Upon primary hard drive failure (or certain other problems, such as Windows crapping out), the backup drive is simply swapped into the computer, and the user's back in business. Downtime is reduced to maybe 15 minutes.
But Casper's not a panacea. Some of the possible pitfalls of using Casper as a backup solution include malware infecting the backup drive (that happened to me once, by the way), a power event or controller failure taking both drives out simultaneously, the physical loss or destruction of the computer, or a catastrophe such as a fire or flood. These reasons are why it's also important to do data backups, preferably using an online service.
With online backup so cheap these days (
Carbonite charges about fifty bucks a year for unlimited storage), I really can't think of a good reason not to use it if you have high-speed Internet. I have used
FilesAnywhere and
Mozy and I like them both; and I'm presently testing Carbonite, about which I have mixed feelings so far.
There are, of course, other solutions, such as external hard drives, RAIDed NAS devices (they've really come down in price), flash drives, DVDs, and so forth; as well as Casper, which does allow recovery of corrupted or accidentally deleted files from the clone, but only until the next cloning occurs. But only online backup protects you in the event of fire, flood, or loss of the computer. In addition, your data can be recovered from anywhere an Internet connection can be had.
In the case of laptops, another consideration is that they often travel; and a hard drive failure or Windows crash that renders the system inoperable can be a really serious problem for a user who's away from home on business. A system that allows a user who's traveling to quickly get up and running can be a godsend.
Bearing that in mind, my preferred backup plan for laptops that actually travel is as follows:
- Use an online backup service like FilesAnywhere, Mozy, or Carbonite to back up irreplaceable data. For travelers, FilesAnywhere is my favorite because of the ease of retrieving files from, well, anywhere using the Web interface, even if the laptop is lost or destroyed.
- Purchase a new hard drive that is compatible with the installed drive, and install it in an external enclosure.
- Use Casper to periodically clone the hard drive to the external drive, and then place the external drive in a pouch and put it in the laptop case.
When I do this for clients, I instruct them to periodically refresh the backup, and I tape a note to the external drive explaining that it's a clone of the internal drive. This way if the internal HD crashes while the client's on the road, even the lamest computer tech should be able to swap the drive and get the client back in business.
The main pitfall, of course, is that users hate to do backups I try to get them into the habit of setting aside a particular time to plug in the external drive and refresh the clone (it only takes a few minutes once the first one is made), but most clients get lackadaisical about it. Nonetheless, even an old clone will allow the machine to be booted again; and if the data's safely backed up online, that can be retrieved, as well.
I know this is a touchy subject for some: I've actually witnessed skinny-armed geeks coming close to blows over what is the "best" backup solution. I'm way too old for those arguments. So what I said above is just my opinion, nothing more. But so far, it's worked well for me, all-in-all.
-Rich
