>I do use CD-R for bulk generally non-critical data such as image or audio >files, but I do ensure that for best integrity I accrue a full CD worth of >files before I write and close the disc in a single session. If I feel the >files deserve more security I write a second copy of the data on a different >brand of media just to be sure :-)
I use both Zip disks and CDR for backup, further backed up by paper <g>. The Zips get used for things that change on a day-to-day basis such as email files and Internet Explorer files. I back these up about once a week and <touches wood> have never had a problem with any drive (we have three) or disk. I did notice once that when I was transferring some files from one computer to another that one file (a jpeg) had become corrupted, but as a test, I reformatted the Zip, copied again and it was fine. The Zips also get used as a little network. My printer is set up with a desktop Mac, so if I want to print something from the PowerBook, it goes across via Zip. One or two Zips get used several times a day, and aside from the above, it's always worked. These Zip disks are over two years old, and form a longevity test. The MacAds web site gets a full backup onto Zip after each change, which is usually twice a week, as well as put onto CD twice a year (more later). For photographs stored digitally, I keep a folder that acts as a 'waiting area' for pictures that have been scanned and optimised (and sometimes printed). When this fills up to a certain level, the oldest go onto a CDR in one go, one session. When the CDR is completed, it immediately gets tested by opening the files, making sure the pics open okay. I store each pic in native Photoshop format, seeing no reason to store compressed images given that CDRs are so cheap. After each such session, the original files on the Mac are deleted. It is my intention to re-copy each CD as it approaches 5 years of age, keeping all copies. I thought about getting a larger drive on the desktop, but it didn't strike me as a high priority. Also, I've got it working so well with the current drive, the OS, the whole shebang is very stable and I have maybe two crashes a year, and it's ALWAYS due to IE5 and a web session! (Blue and White G3 400, 512Mb/6Gb) All important info, especially passwords, are recorded in a small hardback notebook. This is probably the most invaluable of all. Ever log onto a website and can't remember the password? Every day with me. That little notebook shuffles in and out of its place on the shelf next to me more than I would ever have thought. Also in there are all the silly little settings and values for things like ISP diallup info, connection info, TCP/IP info, helplines, etc etc. I saw a colleague do it some years ago, and I remarked how simple and straightforward it was. Finally, about twice a year, the whole hard drive gets backed up onto CDRs. This includes a stripped down version so that with one single CD, I can get a freshly reformatted hard drive up and running (say in the event of a catastrophic crash, or a new drive) with all my bits and bobs appearing just how I like them, and relevant applications on call. [For those on PC and who may not know, Macs are heavily customisable, and no two are identical in terms of how they appear and work to the user. Some are so heavily customised that sitting in front of one, it might take a minute or two to find my way around!] If necessary, I could travel around the world with a CD and two Zips, borrow a Mac, and carry on with MacAds as if nothing had happened. Regarding the integrity or not of various back-up methods, I think the only serious criteria for informing an individual's decision on what to use tend to be personal experience and recommendation. I had heard a lot about Zips and the 'clicks of death', but having used 4 different Zip drives and dozens of disks since 1998, I have never come across it. The point is, if it works, I suppose one keeps using it until it doesn't, then one does some more research and either carries on with the same method, or changes to another. Personally I have never been bothered by the seeming volatility of the various ways of storing data digitally, but then again, what do I know? I'm just a user <g>. HTH Cotty _______________________________________________________ Personal email traffic to [EMAIL PROTECTED] MacAds traffic to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out the UK Macintosh ads http://www.macads.co.uk - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
