Overview

Backup is something a lot of people avoid or dread, especially software developers, but sometimes it can be SO necessary. times when you would need to do a backup:

• just before reinstalling an OS - if you have any previous pictures or videos or music or itunes apps
• periodic full backups of developer's data
• if you have a database server you should perform regular hot backups
• when you get the idea in your head (then you probably should)
• after about 1-3 years of using a windows computer. unrepairable filesystem corruption occurs after about 3-4 years even with proactive system maintenance by a software engineer/electronics guy/computer repairman, just by using the computer, hard poweroffs or power outages, times when the cpu cooler needs cleaning, etc. windows is also an unstable OS, it doesn't last a week without a serious need for a reboot. I kept a machine running for 5 years, but I should have reinstalled the OS much sooner than this I discovered. This was XP Pro.

backup solutions

don't know if there are any special rules about working with LTO tapes. never worked with them before. there don't seem to be any cleaning tapes available, but the drive has a "clean" led, so I guess it cleans itself?

there are any special rules about working with DLT tapes. If you don't put the loop in the correct position and tension the tape, the drive will suck the loop in and miss the catch, and you will have to send the drive in for service to get the tape extricated. and it happens VERY EASILY. takes practice. not my favorite tape. there are cleaning tapes too.

here is a list of backup solutions and their Pros and Cons from what I can tell.

3TB(1.6TB) LTO Tape

pros

• can use windows' built-in ntbackup.exe to backup system, but not very flexible.
• very low media costs
• higher data density than DLT
• built-in auto cleaning? need to verify this...
• 2 tapes

cons

• expensive startup costs, but lower startup cost than DLT (not by much)

1.6TB DLT Tape

pros

• can use windows' built-in ntbackup.exe to backup system, but not very flexible.
• very low media costs
• 2 tapes

cons

• VERY expensive startup costs
• had problems with lower-end DLT tapes where loop would get sucked into the tape making it useless, or get stuck in the drive requiring sending the drive to the manufacturer to repair. happened every few months with the autochanger.
• setting up the tape (loop) for tape insertion requires special handling and precision in order for the drive to catch the loop. I forget what the rules are, but a certain amount of the loop had to be sticking out.

128GB BDXL Blu-Ray

pros

• fewer disc changes than DL DVD
• storage is compact

cons

• 15 discs is very expensive. at time of this writing, one 100GB is $65, costing you a total of $975, the cost of an LTO tape drive.
• takes hours of burn time per disc.
• no inexpensive backup programs, or no REAL backup programs available for backing up whole system, at least for XP. no backup program except the one built into windows! 50/50 chance of it working with blu-ray media.

100GB BDXL Blu-Ray

pros

• fewer disc changes than DL DVD
• storage is compact

cons

• 20 discs is very expensive. at time of this writing, one 100GB is $65, costing you a total of $975, the cost of an LTO tape drive.
• takes hours of burn time per disc.
• no inexpensive backup programs, or no REAL backup programs available for backing up whole system, at least for XP. no backup program except the one built into windows! 50/50 chance of it working with blu-ray media.

50GB BDXL Blu-Ray

pros

• fewer disc changes than DL DVD
• storage is compact

cons

• 20 discs is very expensive. at time of this writing, one 100GB is $65, costing you a total of $975, the cost of an LTO tape drive.
• takes hours of burn time per disc.
• no inexpensive backup programs, or no REAL backup programs available for backing up whole system, at least for XP. no backup program except the one built into windows! 50/50 chance of it working with blu-ray media.

25GB Blu-Ray

pros

• fewer disc changes than DL DVD
• storage is compact

cons

• 80 discs? that is a too much to ask. you had better have an auto-changer.
• takes hours of burn time per disc.
• no inexpensive backup programs, or no REAL backup programs available for backing up whole system, at least for XP. no backup program except the one built into windows! 50/50 chance of it working with DL media.

8.5GB DVD DL

pros

• very low startup cost
• storage is compact

cons

• over 200 discs? you've got to be kidding! you had better have an auto-changer.
• VERY expensive media
• no inexpensive backup programs, or no REAL backup programs available for backing up whole system, at least for XP. no backup program except the one built into windows! 50/50 chance of it working with DL media.

4.7GB DVD

pros

• very low startup cost
• inexpensive REAL backup program available for XP.
• inexpensive media
• storage is compact

cons

• over 400 discs? you've got to be kidding! you had better have an auto-changer.

2TB HD

pros

• can do backup in one sweep
• can do image backups
• can be always online
• lasts for 5-7 years worth of online time

cons

• susceptible to vibration and "drop" damage
• not made for constant plugging-unplugging. get a hot-swap or removable drive bay. (extra costs there)

3TB LTO Tape

36TB(18TB native) LTO Tape Library

1.6TB LTO Tape

50GB DL BD-RE Blu-Ray Disc

8.5GB DVD+R DL disc

4.7GB DVD+R disc

2TB hard drive