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 research data—data that can represent months or years of work, and that can be nearly impossible to recreate. Some people 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 and laptop 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 not sure how (or even if) your system is being backed up, check with your department's computer systems administrator.
Backup Options
By Enterprise/Subscription
Participation is by subscription to a centralized, networked backup service provided by an IT Services recommended third party vendor. Recommended vendors include:
- Iron Mountain Connected service. Backup and recovery of Macintosh and Windows desktop and laptop systems for business use.
- MozyPro service. Backup and recovery of Macintosh and Windows desktop and laptop systems for business use.
Advantages: Accounts are managed at the department level. Provides secure, off-site, redundant storage. Third-party service provides a variety of advanced features.
Disadvantages: Client-side configuration may be difficult.
Monthly Cost: Varies; based on number of gigabytes of disk backed up.
| Base Cost | 1 GB | 5 GB | 10 GB | 20 GB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Mountain | $12.00 for up to 30 GB | No additional cost | No additional cost | No additional cost | No additional cost |
| MozyPro | $3.95 plus $.50 per GB | $4.45 | $6.45 | $8.95 | $13.95 |
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 or MozyPro unless the computer is covered by IT Services Contract Support.
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.
Advantages: Centrally administered. Provides increased control and oversight.
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 and/or storage may be required.
Support: Departmental computer support, if available; IT Services Contract Support for contracting departments.
For Individuals
Options include third-party vendors, local PC backup software, and physical "drag 'n drop" solutions.
Third Party Vendor Low Cost Solutions
- Iron Mountain Connected service. Backup and recovery of Macintosh and Windows desktop and laptop systems for personal use.
- MozyHome service. Backup and recovery of Macintosh and Windows desktop and laptop systems for personal use.
Advantages: Provides secure, off-site, redundant storage. Third-party service provides a variety of advanced features.
Disadvantages: Client-side configuration can be difficult.
Cost: Varies; based upon number of gigabytes of disk backed up.
| Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|
| Iron Mountain | Alternatives available on the Iron Mountain Connected web page |
| MozyHome | Up to 2 GB free; over 2 GB $4.95. Learn more at mozy.com/stanford |
Support: Set-up and troubleshooting may require the assistance of the vendor.
Personal Computer backup solutions available through the Operating System
Advantages: Inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Client-side configuration can be difficult.
Cost: Varies; based upon number of gigabytes of disk backed up.
Support: Self supported or, if available, departmental computer support.
Copy files to external disk drive, CDR/W, DVDR/W, storage stick, or AFS
Advantages: Inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Self-administrated; relies on the computer user to remember to perform the backup; up to the user to store a backup copy off-site (with the exception of files stored in AFS space); 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.
