Backup for Several computer - small business

[donte10]

What is the best solution to backup several computers on a small office network (I just started servicing this company)? They have 6-8 workstations and no server. They have entertained the thought of a Microsoft Server for file sharing, but that's pretty much it. They are all basic users. Should they go with a Windows Server 8 machine if that is all they're going to use it for (file sharing)? They do use one of the workstations (XP Pro) as a place to store most of their files centralized(shared) at the time being.

Backup is theirs and my main concern and I thought about Windows Home Server or Shadow Protect for each computer. But what are your thoughts for a situation like this?

 

[jimmm33]

It doesn't have to be a server based OS if they are only sharing files. Explain the benefits of a RAID mirror and then pitch them a new PC (Win 7 Pro allows 20 concurrent connections) and then add RAID and a automatic, scheduled backup to a USB external drive (rotate two so one can be taken offsite).

If they don't want to spring for a new machine, at least get them to consider a RAID mirror in their existing PC that serves up files.

 

[CompConfig]

With 6 - 8 computers I am a firm believer in using a server with shadow copy, network managing and most importantly a great server backup. Let the server manage the workstations, the Internet and all of the updates and it can offer major protection against virus and malware.

 

[chrisaroz]

I'm a big fan of Windows Home Server. Linux gets a pretty good rap around the forums too, I just don't know enough about it to start using it. Also, DROBO just released an offical NAS, might fit the bill.

 

[brownie]

How much data do you expect to be backed up?
By how much will this data grow?
Do they require any offsite copies?
How long can their business run for if they lost the main office containing their computers?
Depending on their business there could be regulatory compliance to take into account (ie Solicitors, etc.)?

 

[donte10]

The main computer needs to be backed up, along with all the workstations on the network. Like I said, there is one computer with Windows XP pro acting as a file server and about 5 other computer total.

 

[GaPazz]

WHS is great for just the purpose you are looking at. I use WHS to network and backup 9 other computers. My backups are set to auto backup between 5pm and 10pm every day. I did a complete restore to a laptop that was badly infected with a virus and it went perfectly. I really like WHS.

 

[vdub12]

It realy doesn't have to be complicated.

If they are happy with what they have but just want a way to back up this is what I would and have done for one of my customers.

Make the my documents folder on the XP pro machine a shared folder. Then mount that share on each of the other workstations. Change the path to each workstations my documents folder to the mounted/mapped drive. This way the my documents folder will look exactly the same on every machine. Make sure to train everyone to only save there data to the my documents directory. Now get them setup on Mozy, its like $5 a month for unlimited backup space. Then backup the documents on the XP Pro system to Mozy once a night after they close. This will save them money and make you look like the smart one that gave them a perfect solution that didn't break the bank. Best of all they don't have to do anything but save files to the my documents directory, everything else will operate with no technical knowledge for them.

 

[brownie]

It realy doesn't have to be complicated.

If they are happy with what they have but just want a way to back up this is what I would and have done for one of my customers.

Make the my documents folder on the XP pro machine a shared folder. Then mount that share on each of the other workstations. Change the path to each workstations my documents folder to the mounted/mapped drive. This way the my documents folder will look exactly the same on every machine. Make sure to train everyone to only save there data to the my documents directory. Now get them setup on Mozy, its like $5 a month for unlimited backup space. Then backup the documents on the XP Pro system to Mozy once a night after they close. This will save them money and make you look like the smart one that gave them a perfect solution that didn't break the bank. Best of all they don't have to do anything but save files to the my documents directory, everything else will operate with no technical knowledge for them.

How can this be specified without knowing some more basic information, like how much data they have, the daily rate of data change and their internet connection?

For example they may have approx. 150GB of existing files, this may increase by 15% per day and they may have a 512mb internet connection.

Another example is they may have 5GB of existing data, this may only change by 1% per day and they may have a high speed connection to their ISP.

You will not look like the smart one deploying a solution which is not fit for purpose.

 

[ATTech]

You will not look like the smart one deploying a solution which is not fit for purpose.

As opposed to setting up an entire server for simple fire sharing? Seems a bit overkill. Of course, with more information, it might be better to judge...

 

[TheTechWizards]

Enjoy! http://www.amahi.org/