Begin Data Dump //
I wish I was a better communicator... (I have trouble communicating thoughts..) working on it so please forgive the babble... My thoughts don't always organize themselves very well...

I think it's important to look at the entire picture. Not just backups. But why are you backing up.? Is it so that if your system fails you can get back in business quickly? Is it so you don't loose that picture or video clip that can't be replaced.

Business Continuity Plans... need to be created/tested/and maintained at a regular interval.

Everyone should look at some of VMWares tools for creating a virtual snapshot of your existing system that would allow you to get back up and running very quickly. (and they are free). (I would insert link here to the resource... but Im new to the forum and don't know all the rules??) If you system bytes the bucket for any reason ... you can take your virtual machine to almost any computer and ... your back in business...

IF your just backing up data: then there are different questions:
Why are you backing up the data. What would happen if the data fell into the wrong hands? Is the data static (pictures/ music / movie files).. or .. changing pretty frequently. How many versions of the data do you need.

You could also look into a hosted sharepoint solution. You could then store your data in the cloud ... access it anytime from anywhere... and (the provider would backup the data for you ... with hopefully (world class backup systems like tivoli)


(I think the OS google chrome)... will basically store all your data in the cloud... and self heal the OS every time you connect. (but requires an internet connection).

End of Process (memory dump complete)... partial data loss may have occured {my sad attempt at humor}