Joined
·
4 Posts
I am doing some research for a paper in college on Backing up vs Copying large amounts of data on hard disks. What method is reasonable/preferable and why. Can you give some insight?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Solved: Backing up vs Copying large amounts of data, Which is better?
-
Please click the link below for your operating system to download the TSG SysInfo Utility. Click on "Save File" then double-click the file to run it. Copy and paste the report in your initial post. Windows 7 and later (downloads a file named tsginfo.exe) | Windows XP (downloads a file named SysInfo.exe)
- Status
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Joined
·
2,735 Posts
I would place it on disks . You are sure of having it when needed and it is portable allowing you to use other computers as well.
Joined
·
4 Posts
Thanks for your insight.. However i need more information than that because i have to write a 1 page essay. LOL ( i know) Thanks though! Every little bit helps.
Joined
·
2,597 Posts
Well, I haven't come across the program I would like for this job, so I'll give you my impression.
When copying data from a drive I have to sort out 700-800Mb lots which can be burned to CDR. The advantage of using copy to CDR is that the data can be read directly from the CDR without having to be restored to a drive.
So I prefer copying every time, except for the Operating System drive, which I Image.
What I am looking for though is a means of *copying* say 100 x 800Mbs worth of data off one drive to CDR/Data DVD without having to sort the folders into 800Mb or 4·7Gb lots, one CDR/Data DVD at a time, so that I just have to highlight all files and choose burn to CD/DVD and every time an 800Mb CDR or 4·7Gb DVD fills up the Program should ask for the next CDR/DVD. Data DVDs are better if you have a really large amount of data.
The advantage of copying data is, again, that it can be read direct from the CDR/DVD, and this can then be done from any computer equipped to read them. (Clockwork might come in handy one day.)
So copying (data), from a drive partition, does it for me every time, especially if copying to 4·7Gb (or more) data DVDs and using a DVD burner.
http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=101758
When copying data from a drive I have to sort out 700-800Mb lots which can be burned to CDR. The advantage of using copy to CDR is that the data can be read directly from the CDR without having to be restored to a drive.
So I prefer copying every time, except for the Operating System drive, which I Image.
What I am looking for though is a means of *copying* say 100 x 800Mbs worth of data off one drive to CDR/Data DVD without having to sort the folders into 800Mb or 4·7Gb lots, one CDR/Data DVD at a time, so that I just have to highlight all files and choose burn to CD/DVD and every time an 800Mb CDR or 4·7Gb DVD fills up the Program should ask for the next CDR/DVD. Data DVDs are better if you have a really large amount of data.
The advantage of copying data is, again, that it can be read direct from the CDR/DVD, and this can then be done from any computer equipped to read them. (Clockwork might come in handy one day.)
So copying (data), from a drive partition, does it for me every time, especially if copying to 4·7Gb (or more) data DVDs and using a DVD burner.
http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=101758
Joined
·
7,276 Posts
Backing up if it relates to the OS and programs. Copying data if it relates to independant files. Really each application has its own pros and cons and I would not say one is "better" then the other -
Backups -
Cons: by nature slower than copying files, not as easy to extract saved files out of as a copy, must use some type of software to access backup, not all computers have backup software so usually the restore has to be done on the same computer or one with the same software.
Pros: Saves all data information including registry information and other important applicational links, can save things like permissions and security, media tends to be a tad cheaper than anything you would "copy" to I.E. 100 gb native 200 compressed tapes go for about 32$ where as a 200gb hdd still costs a bit more than that.
Copy -
Cons: Does not keep all file links intact with applications and settings, does not include registry items, may not keep security on the files.
Pros: faster, quick, do not need specific software to extract the data, all compupters can access a copied file,
As you see my point they really are 2 totally different things in my opinion so I'm not sure how you can compare them.
Backups -
Cons: by nature slower than copying files, not as easy to extract saved files out of as a copy, must use some type of software to access backup, not all computers have backup software so usually the restore has to be done on the same computer or one with the same software.
Pros: Saves all data information including registry information and other important applicational links, can save things like permissions and security, media tends to be a tad cheaper than anything you would "copy" to I.E. 100 gb native 200 compressed tapes go for about 32$ where as a 200gb hdd still costs a bit more than that.
Copy -
Cons: Does not keep all file links intact with applications and settings, does not include registry items, may not keep security on the files.
Pros: faster, quick, do not need specific software to extract the data, all compupters can access a copied file,
As you see my point they really are 2 totally different things in my opinion so I'm not sure how you can compare them.
The trouble with copying is that you are going to keep copying the same data each time unless you take the time and trouble to sort the data by date first; there is also the possibility that the folder structure may be lost and you end up with a long list of file names.
For me there is only one solution: I use a free backup program and I tell it what folders or files I want to back up and how often and where to (formatted CD-RW or, for me, external hard disk). The program then spend some time backing up everything I requested but thereafter backs up only new or changed files quite quickly, and does it automatically daily, or manually if I want. Folder structure is preserved, and any backed up files that are no longer present on the PC can be preserved or deleted automatically according to my initial choice when setting up.
johnni
For me there is only one solution: I use a free backup program and I tell it what folders or files I want to back up and how often and where to (formatted CD-RW or, for me, external hard disk). The program then spend some time backing up everything I requested but thereafter backs up only new or changed files quite quickly, and does it automatically daily, or manually if I want. Folder structure is preserved, and any backed up files that are no longer present on the PC can be preserved or deleted automatically according to my initial choice when setting up.
johnni
Joined
·
4 Posts
Thanks so much to everyone and your imput, it will help me tremendously with my report.. the funny thing is this question comes from a Windows XP textbook! I think they are just trying to make me pull out my hair with writing a one page essay.. again thank you all, I really think this information will help!! THANKS
Joined
·
4 Posts
Thanks so much!
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
- Status
Join the discussion
