Implementing Backups
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
Most importantly it would depend on your budget. Personally I would, and do, opt for tape. But DVD would suffice, I just look at them as fragile. If you can not afford tape now, start with DVD, and plan to upgrade to tape ASAP. Whatever you do just backup now. Better you use fragile DVD's now than do nothing for 2 months waiting for tapes etc.
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Most importantly it would depend on your budget. Personally I would, and do, opt for tape. But DVD would suffice, I just look at them as fragile. If you can not afford tape now, start with DVD, and plan to upgrade to tape ASAP. Whatever you do just backup now. Better you use fragile DVD's now than do nothing for 2 months waiting for tapes etc.
Thanks, you're right, I do need to get backed up ASAP. I could probably present a pretty strong case for a tape backup for the machine, but I don't really know how much they cost, what to look for etc. What's a good tape backup run?
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Thanks, you're right, I do need to get backed up ASAP. I could probably present a pretty strong case for a tape backup for the machine, but I don't really know how much they cost, what to look for etc. What's a good tape backup run?
Jeez, how long's a piece of string. I have always ha success with DLT drives and tapes, but it depends on the size of your backup now - and how big it will be before your next able to spend $$ to upgrade. Backups get bigger with time remeber so what works now may be too small in a year. Get bigger than you think you will need, and if the money men complain offer to back up other dtaa using it as well, this has been a selling point we have had to use in the past
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
If you really want to backup the drive, use a second drive. The old smaller ones are excellent for this. Either in a ide cradle, usb case or just mounted in the case and disconnect the cables. I do this on all of my critical boxes. "Every new day begins with possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with things that move us toward progress and peace.” (Ronald Reagan)
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
A ZIP to DVD daily will suffice for the short term. I know they are not as reliable, but you won't be needing today's backup in 5 years, will you? :)
Luis Alonso Ramos Intelectix Chihuahua, Mexico
Not much here: My CP Blog!
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
We just picked up a Buffalo Tech TeraStation HS 1Tb for work - a NAS (Network Addressable Storage) box that is about the size of a toaster - it has 4 250Gb drives in it which can be configured as RAID 0, 1 or 5. I set ours up as RAID 5 which provides ~700Gb of storage. There is a Pro version that uses SATA instead of IDE drives and has hot swappable bays. It looks like another computer on the network that can be set up with shared folders. The folders can be set for restricted access by a group or individual user. The produce line comes in 3 sizes 600Gb, 1Tb and 1.6Tb and pricing is from $600 to $1400 (pro series a little more expensive). The 1Tb unit is the most cost effective at $800 (SATA unit is about $200 more). The unit is very quiet. It also has USB ports for storage expansion and provides a print server function on one of the ports in the unit we have. The only real down size to the unit we got (not the pro version), is that if I have to replace a drive, there are several covers and shelves that need to be removed to get to the drives. One review said that 31 screws needed to be removed to take a drive out...and some of the standalone software utilities are not very good...the management is done thru a web interface which is easy to use. Steve
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Hi All, I've just configured a machine on out network to act as a build machine, and installed SVN, CruiseControl.NET, and Bugzilla. I'm at the point where I need to start backing up the machine, so I don't lose the stuff on it, but I'm not really sure what the best options are. At the very least, I would like to make an image of the machine itself, (probably need about 10G), then backup the SVN repository, Bugzilla database, CruiseControl folder, etc (don't need much room for these, maybe a couple hundred MB). I would like the source code backups to be automatic, and pretty regular, maybe nightly or weekly. The worst thing that could happen would be to lose the SVN repository. So far, I can think of these options: A) Backup to DVD-RW. The machine has a DVD-RW drive on it. Pretty cheap, but what is the life expectancy of DVD-R media? I've heard this might not be as reliable as a tape backup. B) Tape backup. More expensive, I would have to buy a tape backup. C) Web backup. I've heard of places where you upload your stuff, and they charge by the MB. Thanks, Aaron
I had to backup comparable data for my client. I chose 3 external drives (identical 120GB drives). One is for storing the data and nothing else. One is connected to another system on the network that performs the data drive backup (on the data server) over the network (as well as backing up data in several other machines). This is a full backup on Friday nights and incremental backups at 6:00am every other work day (Mon through Friday). The other drive I take home with me and bring it in every week or so (no set schedule) and I do a complete file copy of the data drive and just stuff it into a folder on the drive. Once done I take it home and keep it there until the next time. This ensures that if the drive fails completely you will have an offsite backup that you can restore immediately (just plug the third [offsite] drive in). All mappings and folders are maintained. It may not be 100% complete (might lose up to a week of work) but it is ready to go almost immediately (might have to run home and get it). While users are using the 'outdated' data you can use the backup drive to restore the previous nights data or restore specific files that need to be 'up-to-date'. This was an acceptable risk to my client. Also if both drives are lost in an accident (Fire/Theft) you at least have a reasonably current backup. It isnt 100% perfect but it performs well and we dont need to store discs all over the place. I think DVD is an acceptable solution for smaller amoutns of data but the amount of data for my client was far in excess of a DVD capacity (even with compression). Also there is no need for anyone to remember to insert or swap discs. Just another approach to consider. May or may not work for you... Cheers, David -- modified at 20:18 Tuesday 4th April, 2006