Backing-Up 415GB of Data.

[Anakha92]

Alright, let't cut right to the chase. I have a need to backup my most important data that is on my computer. I do not want to backup to hard disks, external or internal. What I want to do is back it up to DVDs.

Now, these calculations are used using a rounded 415GB total, and pretending that single layer DVDs have 4GB capacity and Dual layer have 8GB (as they will be the part size I will use)

I would need approximately 104 Single layer DVDs, or 52 Dual Layer.

104 Single layer 16X DVD-R would run me approximately $60-$65 (CAD)
and 52 Dual layer 8X DVD+R would run me approximately $110-$115 (CAD)

Which would be more efficient in backing up that data in a timely manner, with accuracy and NO data loss or corruption?

Also, I wish to invest in a new DVD burner, currently considering this one:

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...spx?path=4ea7a974eecc0fd94969d5a3cba1f727en02

Does anyone have a better suggestion for the right Burner? Must be a DVD+/-R/RW INTERNAL Burner. No External please!

And Finally, could anyone give me ideas about completely foolproof storage for these 52-104 DVDs, that will keep it away from all the bad moisture, heat, magnetics, static etc..

Thank you in advance, and I am open to further ideas, as long as it's not telling me to use external DVD drives, blu rays or Hard Drives.

 

[goombawaho]

Personally, I think you're crazy to use any type of optical media for this size of backup.

Online or tape backup would be better than that. And you dismissed the obvious choice - hard drives.

Why are you so against these other forms of backup that are infinitely easier to execute than what you have chosen????

You could buy a used computer, stuff a terabyte drive in it and do it over the network.

 

[Anakha92]

New Postgoombawaho (MIS)
7 Jul 10 12:30
Personally, I think you're crazy to use any type of optical media for this size of backup.

Online or tape backup would be better than that. And you dismissed the obvious choice - hard drives.

Why are you so against these other forms of backup that are infinitely easier to execute than what you have chosen????

You could buy a used computer, stuff a terabyte drive in it and do it over the network.

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Okay, first off, thanks for the compliment, I noticed that almost immediately

Simple truth is, I distrust Hard Drives, especially the stability of them, tho we could argue about That for days

I understand how much easier it would be, but easy, hard, extremely bloody awkward? it doesn't bother me which. I do plan to make one backup on a hard drive, but I want a second back up on Optical media, partly for personal reasons, partly for novelty sake, and there are other reasons like my distrust of mechanics (yes I know technically optical media are also a form of mechanics, but I don't mean all mechanics)

To be perfectly honest with you tho, if it were somehow possible to back all this up on 3.5mm Floppys or even if there were a way to store it as something physical, then I would, seeing as how there isn't a word for someone who would back up 415GB to floppys and I don't know a way to read all the contents on paper nor even make any use out of it if I could, I'll settle to Optical Media...

I hope all that rambling wasn't confusing at all, I just said it as I wrote

 

[goombawaho]

All I have to say is: Hard drives are INFINITELY more reliable than DVDs or CDs as a storage media. And for your volume of data, backing up to optical is very similar to backing up 5GB to floppy!!

Maybe somebody will answer your question since you've made up your mind.

 

[ProbablyDown]

Backing up this amount of data to optical makes perfect sense.....if you are paid by the hour.

Honestly tho, if you are doing it to see if you can, then thats fine. But I think everyone can agree that optical isn't the best choice here for a variety of reasons.. effort primarily, and media breakdown a close second.

With the price of disk these days... I would go that route personally. You can pick up an inexpensive NAS device with R1 mirroring and you are golden.

I know mechanisms break, but its much easier to replace a dead drive in an R1 setup than it is to get your data back because of a scratch on a DVD. (Especially if you are on disk 58 of 200 into your restore when you discover you have a coaster.... just my 2c

 

[Noway2]

If you decide to stay with optical media, read this article first:

http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media

It discusses the differences in the formats -R, +R, RW, etc as well as the difference in brands. The end recommendation is to get the Taiyo Yuden, but they have to be the ones made in Japan, as these are archive quality and have been significantly tested for data retention.

Another option to consider would be to rent some storage space from an online provider.

 

[Anakha92]

If you decide to stay with optical media, read this article first:

http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media

It discusses the differences in the formats -R, +R, RW, etc as well as the difference in brands. The end recommendation is to get the Taiyo Yuden, but they have to be the ones made in Japan, as these are archive quality and have been significantly tested for data retention.

Another option to consider would be to rent some storage space from an online provider.

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Thank you, indeed when I finally have more than 5 mins to read my email, and reply to them, I surely will read up on it

And to everyone,

May we please just assume that I'm one completely insane, crazy bugger who is just obsessed with backing up this Data to optical Discs and work on ideas on making it work well? That may or may not be true, but that's the kind of info I'm looking for Thanks =P