Best Backup Software for a three node network

[markholmes24]

I'm looking for a backup solution for a three node network (wireless laptop, workstation and a machine used as the central fileserver). I would value any suggestions as to what might be a good package - I have used Backup Exec and ARCServe at work but those would be a bit of an overkill I feel!.

Thanks in advance.

[r8500]

might be overkill, but arcserve has an excellent client agent which would make it very easy to back up all of the nodes to one destination.

[dajogejr]

What are you backing them up to?
I've had great luck with External USB Maxtor drives, and the software it comes with...Retrospect.

It can backup over a network, too...

[markholmes24]

Backing up a few files off the laptop and desktop, and a full backup of machine i use as a fileserver, onto an HP Surestore 12/24.

[dajogejr]

By full backup, do you mean OS, apps and registry...or just the files?

If it's just the files, Dantz Retrospect should do the trick...and, you might want to think about removable media, i.e. small tape drive (expensive) or an external USB drive....

[r8500]

It sounds like he already has a tape drive, so all he needs now is the software.

[markholmes24]

Yes, I already have a SCSI drive, HP Surestor 12/24gig which I got off eBay for £30!

I'm just backing up files, when I first built the machines I took a Ghost image of the laptop and workstation which I will restore in the event of a disaster, this image is stored on the fileserver machine along with all my files eg media, documents. I don't keep many files locally on the workstation and I use Offline Files on the laptop.

I'll take a look at Retrospect and try and 'find' ARCServe. Thanks for your recommendations.

[dajogejr]

12/24 GB is not that much info...really.

Sorry...missed that part about the tape drive.

But, if it fills your needs...good enough.
Make sure you check on Dantz's site and see if that tape drive is compatible with Dantz....

If not...as said, a USB drive is cheap, and they're HUGE!!!

Gook luck.

[markholmes24]

I agree and in many ways I'd prefer to go for an external USB solution, speed, ease of use etc - more than likely once I start to fill up 48 gig (which will be a while yet), I'll go for USB.

Thanks for your help.