.. Technically Jargon.
I created this page as a vent and outlet for things technical. Anything from PC to micro controllers to even random Gadgets. I run a Homelab, I tinker, and I work in the IT field. So that is where my base is. Beyond that, Everything from reading to breaking things will and most likely happen.
So, with that, onward with the tech.
It is a PSA time.
Frankly, it is something that is not said enough. You can never back up your back up enough. In this digital age, You really should be backing up your data, in many ways. First, we need to understand the 3-2-1 backup rule. in short:- Have at least three copies of your data
- Store the copies on two different media.
- Keep one backup copy offsite.
Have at least three copies of your data
What does this mean? In short, Besides the primary data you have, you need to have at least two other copies. From VEEAM, the math is as follows:
For example, if device #1 has a probability of failure that’s 1/100 (and the same is true for device #2), then the probability of failure of both devices at the same time is:
1/100 * 1/100 = 1/10,000
This means that if you have your primary data (on device #1) and two backups of it (on devices #2 and #3, correspondingly), and if all devices have the same characteristics and no common failure causes, then the probability of failure of all three devices at the same time will be:
1/100 * 1/100 * 1/100 = 1/1,000,000
As the math shows, the reduction of risk is drastically reduced when you have three copies.
The other reason, and this hits home for quite a lot of people, is that if you overwrite the newer data with older data, you are less likely to loose something critcal.
Store the copies on two different media.
This, is surprisingly common to miss. With everyone moving to the newest technology, the older tech is left behind. So much so, that it becomes a dependency on that exact tech. A Fast google search will get you failure rates on USB drives, as well as Hard drives (SSD & HDD respectively). Personally, I have had a fair share of HDD's fail. USB is theoretical at 60 years, but that requires a consistent environment. Even CD's can get scratched, and become useless. Just remember trying to play that ripped CD of Metallicas S&M in your car CD player..
Keep one backup copy offsite.
Not surprisingly this is the one that most people are afraid of. Weather it be cost, or not aware of physical locations, in every conversation I have with people, this is the least likely, yet know they need to do. Such offsites as Google Drive, Dropbox, Veeam, CrashPlan all exist, and have either free, or low monthly costs (depending on desires) for backups.
What does this mean for me?
If you google how to backup your personal data, you will find many references to the 3-2-1 backup rule, and even some explanations like this one. What most people dont get, is the how to put it all together. There are many combinations that you can deploy, and I will list mine, and one other.
My deployment
- 3: Live data is on multiple PC's. Current local backups run at 3am. Local backups point to a NAS device.
- 2: Two media: running a Raid environment on NAS and critical Files backed up to USB drive.
- 1: Keep USB & DVD copy in Safe deposit Box for Critical Documents (long term) and a paid monthly subscription to crashplan for my NAS.
Suggested Deployment
- 3: Data on PC. Data on CD/DVD. Data on USB/HDD
- 2: Two media: CD/DVD and USB/HDD
- 1: Free account from above listed sites.
