Advice please!
I'm buying a laptop with an Adaptec CDR-W.
Can I use this with re-writable disks for backing-up, or do I need a Zip drive as well?
Thanks.

with a capacity of around 650Mb I use my cd-r as a backup device(You don't have to use rewritable media -these are quite expensive- you can just use ordinary cd r's)

Thanks Bodger.
The reason I thought I'd need rewriteable disks is that I'd like to back up data weekly (that's the theory anyway!) and I'd have to use a single-use disk each time instead of updating a R/W disk. I suppose single-use disks could still be cheaper.

I've never used a CDR-W yet so know nothing about it. I understand it comes with Adaptec software. Is that product OK?

Virgin
Have a look at:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/pcmag/flooks/1998/11/easy_cd_creator_deluxe_35.html

I use it and its V.Good
BTW if you use rewritables for backup (nothing wrong with it) then don't forget to use a few (say 4) so that if you have a problem with the backup (or can't read it when you want to do a restore) you have always got last weeks to fall back on
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Only the mediocre are at their best everyday

[This message has been edited by bodger (edited 07 October 2000).]

Bodger is right. The CDR is the cheapest way to go. Your software (Adaptec) is the most common around, and works well.

When you become familiar with the system, you will realise that each time you back-up material to the CD, you have to leave the CD session "open" (i.e do not close it) otherwise you cannot write any further info to it and the weeks backup is all you will have, definitely a waste of the CD. Your software instructions will clarify this procedure. Basically, this means you can add more material as many times as you need until the disk is full (the 650Mb limit).

However, this may also mean that the CD may only be read on the equipment writing to the CD (your writer), until the disk is closed (when full). A closed disk should be able to be read on any CD reader. That is the only limitation I am aware of right now.

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When all else fails, read the manual!

Thanks for your help guys.
One further question if I may:

The machine comes with 64MB of Ram as standard, but I'm upgrading to 128MB.
Is that enough for all purposes?
I read somewhere that CD writing needs large quantities of RAM to work properly - something about the buffer?

I have never required more than 128Mb. I keep looking at the 256Mb chips, but have never found a reason to spend the money (person not company).

If it's just files i.e documents you are backing up you are better off using a re-writable disk. That way you can re-use the disk and replace the updated files. You could use a CD-R using packet writing/multi-session, but once it's full that's it. If you are backing up a complete hard drive, system, files, data etc, you will still be better off using CDRW, as it could take between say 2-7 disks, if you can afford to throw away up to 7 cdr's a week then use CD-R's.

Cost of cd-r media about 10p

Cost of cd-rw media £1.00 - £2.00 even more in some cases.
And as I said in one of my previous posts,you need to have a 2 or 3 week cycle of media if you are doing it properly.

[This message has been edited by bodger (edited 08 October 2000).]

Why not mix and match?

Keep all your documents in one folder, with sub-folders so you can keep it all organised. Once you are happy with your system configuration, backup everything except your documents folder onto cd-r. As you install more programs, make another backup. That way, if your most recent backup goes awry, you will only have to re-install 1 or 2 programs.

Use a cd-rw for your data. Files that have been updated will get overwritten and it will be much less confusing when you restore.

Most people don't bother with backups, and get their fingers burnt when it all goes Pete Tong. Mean to go on as you are starting (Yes, I did mean it that way round :) ).

Another way to go, for a PC anyway, is to get a second hard drive. Yes, its more expensive, but transfer is molto fast. Install a bare bones Win98 on your second drive(ie, don't put any support for sound cards, etc on it). Now make a directory called "System Backup" and make another one for data. If you need more info on this option, post back here. I'll check back in a couple of days.

Virgin,

I think R O Tiree has a good suggestion about the "mix&match". You'll not be sorry!

How many people "out there" back up? As a "computer semi-professional", it's an area where I'm still not where I preach, as was evidenced towards the end of last week when the ruddy thing in the office wouldn't boot! http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/frown.gif

Fortunately, I have the drive partitioned and my data (most of it) was on D-drive and programs on C (but emails, of course default to C - could have lost emails, address book, etc etc) We managed to recover D onto the replacement drive and I had to reload all my software onto the new C partition. The email is also copied onto my laptop continuously so not much was lost there - but the whole saga cost me a couple of days to get things back (almost) to where they were, and I've still lost anything that was "temporarily" filed on "the desktop".

If only The Boss had let me go ahead with the suggestion to have a "backup server" on the network and keep everyone's files archived there! Pity it wasn't HIS machione that had the problem or I'd be setting up the backup server now! - Perhaps not as there's so little of value on his computer he'd probably never notice! :mad: . :mad:

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---- "Per Ardua ad Mixas" ----
(Through hardship to the bars)

Thanks very much to you all for the advice.
As you may have guessed, there's a reason for my sudden interest in how best to back up! http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/redface.gif

You mean its already too late don't you?

:rolleyes:

Yes!
http://www.webdck.com/Angela/images/fun/felixanm.gif

I would recommend obtaining (<£50) Norton Ghost. If you create a disk image using ghost (even compresses data) you could restore the whole thing in a matter of minutes, even (if the worst happened) to a brand new drive. As an educational establishment we have installed 500Mb to 20 computers over a network, including setting up individual ID's on each computer, in under an hour.

Hi virgin,

I would be inclined to go for CD-R's and CD-RW's. Each has its own use. Whatever though a zip drive isn't worth the trouble. Especially no the old 8mm DAT tapes *shudder*. I know places that still use them (and regret it). I myself have a HP CD- Writer+ 8200i and I've had nothing but trouble free service from it and the Adaptec software. It's a good choice in that the CD's you create can be read on any computer with a CD drive (so long as you've closed the CD). You can also copy music CD's, etc. Not that I'm suggesting you violate any major copyrights :)

Ross
Ross@<hidden>

Well I got an Iomega CD-RW and I am deeeelighted. The quality is first rate, the Adaptec software is brilliant and it only cost £135 inc VAT. www.jungle.com (http://www.jungle.com)

But now I have another problem I hope someone can help me with.

I have a SuperMicro m/b and I have, with the CD-RW four devices, inc two hard drives and another CD-ROM. BUT.....I have an Iomega Zip drive which I wish to keep. I bought an IDE controller card, a recommendation by Iomega, but the puter doesn't see it. One says I can't expect to use it, one says I can, one says I have to have a spare IRQ - I have two - 5&7.
But thre NO drivers with the card, normal apparently, as it it is supposed to be a P&P.
BIOS connections seems to be OK and set to see any other devices.

I know someone will say why do I want my Zip drive and the answer is I have a lot of data I need - on 12 disks (1200mb.

I can use it if I disconnect the CR-RW and re-connect the Zip - just as though nothing happened!

Any ideas anyone.?

infineretirement, could you not transfer the files over to a hdd and then copy them to a CD or in your case 2 CD's. I don't know the answer to your predicament I'm afraid, ah the beauty of USB devices. Could it be that the pci slot you are putting the card in is already sharing with something else and that's why it can't see it, my mob, an ABIT shares resources between 2 of the 5 pci slots with its ata66 controller.
What is the model of your board a supermicro what?

[This message has been edited by spannersatcx (edited 15 October 2000).]

Spanners, as usual a sensible answer!

Yeah I can drop the files on to the hard drive but I would rather like to keep the Zip drive, it is such a goood device.

Actually, its in an ISA slot but I have two others. And the Motherboard is a Super P6SBA.

I have 4 PCI's and three ISA's. Do you think a change on to one of the other slots might help? Its certainly a thought. Now I come to think of it one of the slots is an unused Parallel card for a scanner. Could that be taking the very IRQ I want? Oh, bloody computers, one day you think you know what are doing the next day - dumbo!

Anyway Spanners, your thoughts will be appreciated.

I own some music CDs and I thought it'd be a good idea to use my CD-RW to record a spare copy for my car.
Sometimes it works, but sometimes although the software says it has all copied OK, I can't play the CD in a regular CD player, only on my CD-RW machine.
Why is this? I think a couple of the CDs may have had some video clip on as well as the music. Would this be the cause?

Hi Grandad.

You weren't using CD-RW disks were you? Your car CD player won't be able to read 'em.

Infineretirement, could be the parallel card. Try it and see, that could well be the cause.

Grandad flyer - Not all cd players can read CDR media even though it will work on your pc, it may not work in a hifi/in car cd. Even some of the newer ones out these days won't always work. My father bought a mini hifi with cd in the last 12 months and none of my CDR audio disks would work in it but was ok in my car/hifi system. I believe it is all to do with the laser pick up, CDR's don't reflect as much as a normal CD, it's the same when you make a Video CD it won't work in all DVD players (home not PC).