wgerrard
Veteran
We've had several threads here about backup storage, but I'd like to take this approach:
In addition to running a Time Capsule, I signed up for Mozy online storage a few days ago. Upload bandwidth is slow enough that an initial 10-gig batch of files is going to take 4-5 days to complete. (Not necessarily Mozy's fault. ISP's typically throttle upload bandwidth.)
So, I can see that Mozy might be fine for things like JPEGs, it's not ideal for lots of TIIF's and Raw files. A more prolific photographer than I am would likely produce files at a faster rate than Mozy could ingest them.
Mozy also slows other computer operations when it's uploading. That prolongs things because I'm likely to pause the upload to get something done.
I'm curious, then: Is anyone using Mozy or a similar service to backup a seriously large amount of data?
I also have access to another 150 gigs of online storage that I won't use for photo files.
Some folks recommend using a remote server for backup storage. I could do that. In fact, I have administered a remote server or two. That's why I won't do it again.
The optimal solution seems to be a RAID setup, probably at 2 TB. But, I'm not sure I can justify the cost, and I'm not sure I'd come close to using that capacity.
I would lean to a RAID setup, though, if enough folks tell me that single disk external drives have a failure rate high enough to be worrisome.
Two-drive RAID 1 units, with the drives, seem to run $600-$700. Single-disk external drives seem to go for less than half that. Are they penny wise and pound foolish?
In addition to running a Time Capsule, I signed up for Mozy online storage a few days ago. Upload bandwidth is slow enough that an initial 10-gig batch of files is going to take 4-5 days to complete. (Not necessarily Mozy's fault. ISP's typically throttle upload bandwidth.)
So, I can see that Mozy might be fine for things like JPEGs, it's not ideal for lots of TIIF's and Raw files. A more prolific photographer than I am would likely produce files at a faster rate than Mozy could ingest them.
Mozy also slows other computer operations when it's uploading. That prolongs things because I'm likely to pause the upload to get something done.
I'm curious, then: Is anyone using Mozy or a similar service to backup a seriously large amount of data?
I also have access to another 150 gigs of online storage that I won't use for photo files.
Some folks recommend using a remote server for backup storage. I could do that. In fact, I have administered a remote server or two. That's why I won't do it again.
The optimal solution seems to be a RAID setup, probably at 2 TB. But, I'm not sure I can justify the cost, and I'm not sure I'd come close to using that capacity.
I would lean to a RAID setup, though, if enough folks tell me that single disk external drives have a failure rate high enough to be worrisome.
Two-drive RAID 1 units, with the drives, seem to run $600-$700. Single-disk external drives seem to go for less than half that. Are they penny wise and pound foolish?
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MartinP
Veteran
You can build your own NAS for much less than that and it will be more flexible for future needs too. A typical linux based solution would be FreeNAS, but you can also use the relevant parts of, for example, Ubuntu Server by following the simple online instructions.
Gary E
Well-known
I agree, a Network Attached Storage device might be your best bet next to a full blown image server. Using the NAS, you can share with other computers in the house. The cheapest way is to have a mirrored set (Raid 1) for lowest cost and redundancy, but if you have quite a lot of images I'd suggest 3 or more drives for Raid 5; if you're really nuts about archiving then Raid 6.
wgerrard
Veteran
A NAS seems more than I need. I don't have other computers in the house. I don't have video and audio I want to serve. Nor do I want to delve into Linux. (Been there, done that.)
I want a plug and play device for a Mac to backup image and other files. Preferably small and silent.
I want a plug and play device for a Mac to backup image and other files. Preferably small and silent.
sper
Well-known
A two drive raid is not that expensive. I bought a refurbished housing from OWC for under $100 dollars, and two western digital 1TB drives are cheap enough.
You should be able to set this up for under $300 easy. Mine runs Firewire 800 and its fast enough for my film scans and 5D2 files.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/MEPT934AL2C/
You should be able to set this up for under $300 easy. Mine runs Firewire 800 and its fast enough for my film scans and 5D2 files.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/MEPT934AL2C/