Free (or low cost) backup software?
#16




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 7,181
I use it for my personal backups, lots of great features and I never notice it backing up while I am working.
#18
Original Poster
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470
Can you tell us what you want backing up, and what flavour of operating system you use? This should help us choose what might suit you. For example, if you have a Windows 10 laptop or a Mac desktop we might offer different solutions.
Do you want the drive to be a physical external hard drive plugged into your computer, or an external "cloud" solution?
...
Do you want the drive to be a physical external hard drive plugged into your computer, or an external "cloud" solution?
...
OS = Win 7 Home Premium on my desktop & Win10 on my laptop
B/U what= Mainly data files & downloaded files
B/U type= Prefer local external drive (although some have crashed in the past). Having said that, I like your idea of a physical + cloud option. And that seems to be seconded by MAN Pax as well.
If you have any further advice, I will really appreciate that
#19
Original Poster
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470
You didnt mention what OS and version you are using but I highly recommend this software. I dont know how long it will stay free but this is one of the better backup software companies out there these days. https://www.veeam.com/endpoint-backup-free.html
I use it for my personal backups, lots of great features and I never notice it backing up while I am working.
I use it for my personal backups, lots of great features and I never notice it backing up while I am working.
Were you recommending the Veeam Backup Essentials 9.5 OR the Veeam Backup Free Edition OR the Veeam Endpoint Backup FREE?
I would be happy to give it a whirl.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: UA, LY
Posts: 13,179
When backing up to a WD external hard drive, the built-in WD software is good enough.
When backing up from Windows to any external HD, Microsoft's SyncToy is good enough and seamless. Unfortunately, it has no way of setting up automatic backups, though Windows task scheduler can take care of that
When backing up from Windows to any external HD, Microsoft's SyncToy is good enough and seamless. Unfortunately, it has no way of setting up automatic backups, though Windows task scheduler can take care of that
#21




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 7,181
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
#23




Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oregon
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1MM, HH Diamond, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,055
I'm going to also put in my 2c for Crashplan. I use the paid version on my primary workstation and the free version on a number of other systems. My files get backed up to multiple locations and I use the version control extensively. My source code directory gets backed up to a local SD card with ten minute versions so if I screw up my code I can go back even if I have been offline. Pretty much all data on my system gets sent to Crashplan's server, my office server, and my home media center in encrypted form so I have truly multi-site backup. It is painless and it works great. Many backup solutions work great until you go to restore - but with Crashplan there has never been an issue.
#24
In Memoriam




Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,111
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 23,194
Unfortunately, Crashplan is exiting the home consumer market, so I have to find a new home. They have partnered with Carbonite, which is pretty darn expensive--even with the 50% off promo, and that's just for the first year.
Any other suggestions?
Any other suggestions?
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,773
I'm in the same boat. I was going to accept their switch to the small business plan since it's 75% off the first year. I have 5 devices backed up, so that's still comparable pricing for a while. It will give me a long time to figure out something better.
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Titanium, Nat'l EE, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,637
I will also probably switch to the SMB plan under the 75% off offer... $2.50/month takes me well into 2019 before I have to switch. At that point it's probably off to Backblaze, unless something better surfaces between now and then.
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,745
Crashplan has never worked right for me for any significant length of time (I used it to back up part of a home NAS to the cloud). I'm actually considering backing up to Amazon S3 instead but that seems like it'd be one of the more expensive options--even if opting for "reduced" redundancy.
For those who don't have advanced needs, Backblaze might be reasonable at $5/mo or $50/yr for their home service.
For those who don't have advanced needs, Backblaze might be reasonable at $5/mo or $50/yr for their home service.
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 23,194


