Desktop Backup and Recovery
On this page:
- Backup options for individuals
- for departments/workgroups
- by subscription
Performing a regular backup of the critical files on your computer is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible computer user. Critical files include documents that you create as well as other unique files such as your email in box. Backups are particularly important for original scientific or engineering data—data that can represent months or years of work, and that can be nearly impossible to recreate. Some users may also want to back up critical application and system files, though this can be cumbersome and time consuming, and in many cases, not really necessary.
This page lists backup options available at Stanford for Macintosh and Windows-based desktop computers, sorted by type of user: individual; department/workgroup; or enterprise/subscription. Brief descriptions of each option are included on this page.
Note: some departments on campus provide their own backup facilities. If you're note sure how (or even if) your system is being backed up, check with your department's computer systems administrator.
Backup Options
For Individual Users
"Drag 'n drop" critical files to external disk drive, CDR/W, DVDR/W, storage stick, or to AFS disk space. Personal computer backup software such as Retrospect for Windows and Macintosh can be purchased to increase scheduling reliability.Advantages: Easy and cheap.
Disadvantages: Self-administrated; relies on the computer user to remember to perform the backup unless automated backup software is installed; up to the user to store a backup copy off-site (with the exception of files stored in AFS space, which are automatically backed up each day); storage capacity limited by type of medium.
Cost: Free: (AFS) to inexpensive: storage sticks from as little as $10; external drives can be added to most systems for under $200, plus the cost of CDs (typically, pennies per CD) and backup software, if used.
Support: Self supported or, if available, departmental computer support. Information Technology Services does not install or support Retrospect or other third party backup software unless the computer is covered by Contract Support or OnCall Services.
For Department/Workgroup
Department and workgroup solutions include networked backup-and-restore to centralized facilities, including CD or DVD, SCSI tape drives, removable drives, or servers. These solutions typically support from 10–100 or more users.
Advantages: Centrally administered. Provides increased reliability and redundancy.
Disadvantages: Client-side configuration can be moderately difficult. Set-up and troubleshooting may require the assistance of a system administrator or computer consultant.
Cost: Purchase of backup software such as Retrospect, storage. Relatively inexpensive when economies of scale are taken into consideration.
Support: Departmental computer support, if available; IT Services Contract Support for contracting departments or, on an hourly/fee basis, through OnCall Services.
By Enterprise/Subscription
Participation is by subscription to a centralized, networked backup service provided by the University or by a third party.
Current options include:- Stanford University Backup and Recovery Service (BaRS)—for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux desktops/laptops, as well as Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, and Linux servers.
- Iron Mountain/Connected Desktop Backup Service for business and personal use—Windows-based systems only.
Advantages: Centrally administered. Provides secure, off-site, redundant storage. Third-party service provides a variety of advanced features.
Disadvantages: Client-side configuration can be difficult. Availability may vary by computing platform. University-provided service (BaRS) not available for students or for personal use.
Cost: Ranges from $8.25/month/user to $12/month/user. Additional charges apply over the base storage amount (TSM: $1.80 per GB over 3GB; Iron Mountain/Connected: $3 per GB over 10 GB).
Support: Set-up and troubleshooting may require the assistance of a departmental system administrator or computer consultant. IT Services does not install or support Iron Mountain/Connected unless the computer is covered by IT Services Contract Support or OnCall Services.
