Hi guys,
I've decided that it's time for me to take the next step in backup technology. Since I'm not a professional, I need something not too pricey and specific for my needs.
CURRENT SITUATION
iMac - 500 GB (primary computer, based in Paris)
- 1 TB external HD (used for media only)
- 300 GB external HD (three partitions : one for video editing, one to store non media files, one to backup personal files from iMac)
MacBook - 250 GB (fiancee's computer, mostly in Paris)
iMac - 250 GB (parents computer, outside of Paris)
PROTECTION AGAINST
- obviously HD failures
- theft or home intrusion (for my iMac and my gf MB)
- fire
CURRENT BACKUP SITUATION
- my iMac has its most important files backed up on the 300 GB HD (documents, music, photos)
- the other two computers don't have a backup whatsoever !!
WHAT I WANT
- I want all three computers to have at least a full monthly backup (bootable could be a plus, but what really is important are the personal files : documents, photos, and music)
- I want my iMac and my gf MB to have a backup out of our home in Paris, so basically to have a backup of those two at my parents place which we visit regularly
- the 1 TB media HD doesn't have a backup, but I don't plan on backing those up for the time being
MY QUESTIONS
- since I'll have to buy at least an other HD to do all those backups, what would you advise me to do ? Since all three computers are one year old or less, we don't plan on changing them anytime soon. Consequently, a 1 TB external HD would probably be enough to back them up for a few years.
- how would you do monthly backup ? Should I do everything manually, use Time Machine, SuperDuper, or try something else ?
- Since we already have wireless routers at both locations, I think we don't need Time Capsule (which is much more expensive than just an other external HD), but what do you think about it ?
Well basically, I just advices on what hardware/software to choose as a smart backup solution.
I've decided that it's time for me to take the next step in backup technology. Since I'm not a professional, I need something not too pricey and specific for my needs.
CURRENT SITUATION
iMac - 500 GB (primary computer, based in Paris)
- 1 TB external HD (used for media only)
- 300 GB external HD (three partitions : one for video editing, one to store non media files, one to backup personal files from iMac)
MacBook - 250 GB (fiancee's computer, mostly in Paris)
iMac - 250 GB (parents computer, outside of Paris)
PROTECTION AGAINST
- obviously HD failures
- theft or home intrusion (for my iMac and my gf MB)
- fire
CURRENT BACKUP SITUATION
- my iMac has its most important files backed up on the 300 GB HD (documents, music, photos)
- the other two computers don't have a backup whatsoever !!
WHAT I WANT
- I want all three computers to have at least a full monthly backup (bootable could be a plus, but what really is important are the personal files : documents, photos, and music)
- I want my iMac and my gf MB to have a backup out of our home in Paris, so basically to have a backup of those two at my parents place which we visit regularly
- the 1 TB media HD doesn't have a backup, but I don't plan on backing those up for the time being
MY QUESTIONS
- since I'll have to buy at least an other HD to do all those backups, what would you advise me to do ? Since all three computers are one year old or less, we don't plan on changing them anytime soon. Consequently, a 1 TB external HD would probably be enough to back them up for a few years.
- how would you do monthly backup ? Should I do everything manually, use Time Machine, SuperDuper, or try something else ?
- Since we already have wireless routers at both locations, I think we don't need Time Capsule (which is much more expensive than just an other external HD), but what do you think about it ?
Well basically, I just advices on what hardware/software to choose as a smart backup solution.