by eclipse525 - 8/28/08 1:17 PM
Featuring CNET Editor
Dong Ngo
Sponsored by Best Buy
Storage and backup Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editors Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: That's all the time I have.
by ngodong - 8/28/08 12:01 PMThanks for joining me guys.
Hope I was of some help. If you have more questions, suggestion, or just want to be entertained a bit, check out our podcast at:
http://www.cnet.com/inside-cnet-labs/
Q: DROBO
by eclipse525 - 8/28/08 11:56 AMI have a general idea how Drobo works.
1) Do I need a back-up to back-up Drobo?
2) As I swap out each drive to replace it with a new one, what do I do with the old drive? Do I need to keep them or is everything still in the Drobo?
Thank you!
A: Yes
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:58 AM1. Generally the Drobo is a backup device itself. However, it, like all devices, can die or malfunction, so it's always good to back up important stuff somewhere else.
2. You can do anything you wold do with a hard drive: recycle it if it's not working anymore or give it to somebody else if it does. You don't need to keep them
Q: Network Storage Suggestion
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:21 AMI have a home network with Macs and PCs. I use a Drobo hooked up to an Apple Airport using USB. It works great.
A: This sounds interesting...
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:56 AM... I'll check it out. Thanks for bringing it up.
Q: Your thoughts on Windows Home Server
by ScottRay - 8/28/08 11:31 AMI've been thinking about building an WHS box. Initial need is to back up my 4 home computers. Then, have possibility for streaming media, remote access, etc. Your thoughts about WHS?
A: It works
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:54 AMIt works well if you are comfortable with taking care of a server computer. You can do every thing a NAS can do and more with a WHS, but it require setting up and sometimes it's confusing and not intuitive enough for home users. If you are not, I'd recommended a NAS drive.
Q: Automatic Backup
by NCTARHEELS - 8/28/08 11:49 AMHello,
What's the best automatic backup software for Windows Vista? I'm looking for something that can essentially mimic Apple's Time Machine.
A: Acronis..
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:51 AM.. True Image Home 11:
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
It doesn't work exactly like the time machine but you can create differential backups which basically means you can save different versions of the data based on the date. And it works very well.
Q: question and answer
by white-bread - 8/28/08 11:35 AMWhat are the advantages and disadvantages of using FreeBSD?
You should have referred the ubuntu question to the ubuntu forums.
A: Big question
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:48 AMAnd I don't have the big answer for this. So:
Upside: it's free and open and compatible with most Linux apps.
Downside: lack of support of applications, i.e. you can't run WOW on it, maybe?
I think I should refer this to FreeBSD furums. 
Q: Re: HP Upline vs. Mozy
by absolutelyent - 8/28/08 11:41 AMCould you elaborate on which service is better and why, HP Upline vs. Mozy?
A: I can't
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:45 AMSorry but I can't say definitively which one is better, which can only be known after long term usage. However, Mozy gives you 2GB for free so I'd say give it a try. HP tends to be more elaborate and potentially more user-friendly. However this also means it might put a lot of unnecessary software on your computer that slows it down. Mozy might be a little more straight forward and simple.
Q: 5400 to 7200
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:36 AMI have run out of space on my MacBook Pro. I'm thinking of upgrading the stock 100GB 5400RPM drive to a Hitachi 7K200 7200RPM 200GB drive. Will I notice the extra speed or should I just get a bigger 5400RPM drive?
Q: NAS
by zakko75 - 8/28/08 11:34 AMwhat is your recommendation for a large NAS (1 or 2 TB) or external hard drive that can be accessed remotely? Thanks
A: There are a few:
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:46 AMHard drive: get the WD My Book series (mirror or studio) they comes with software that allows for remote access over the Internet, not free though)
NAS: Synology DS-107+, HP MediaVault (http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/hp-media-vault-mv2120/4505-3190_7-32909909.html)
The easiest NAS for online access is the Seagate Central Axis:
http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/maxtor-central-axis-nas/4505-3190_7-33145176.html
You don't have to configure your router or anything at all. Buffalo Link Station series works well too.
Q: Green Drives
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:33 AMDo Western Digital's GP drives really use less power? What do you think of them?
A: I hope so
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:37 AMI'd say yes as they are certified but it's hard to really answer this definitively. I like them, especially the 1TB ones.
Q: What do you think about Newt Data?
by CERNconcern - 8/28/08 11:32 AMDong,
I'm thinking of buying a 2TB box from a company called Newt Data. Apparently, it's connects to netork but works like a USB drive. What so you think?
A: Seems good
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:36 AMI've not had a chance to check it out but it seems a NAS/external hard drive hybrid. It's always good to have options. If it works well for you and it's affordable, I'd say give it ago.
A: Synology DS-107+
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:34 AMI'd recommend the DS-107+ then, get the DS-207+ if you want RAID.
http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/synology-disk-station-ds/4505-3190_7-32987447.html
Q: C-drive is full
by markamam - 8/28/08 11:31 AMMy computer keeps telling me that my C-drive is dangerously full. I have deleted all that I feel comfortable with deleting, but it has done no good. What is happening???
A: Upgrade the hard drive
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:33 AMYou might need to upgrade the hard drive of the computer. Get a new, large one of the same interface (ATA or SATA, most likely the latter) and use software like Acronis True Image to clone the existing one onto the new one, then physically swap them.
No matter how big a hard drive is, it will be full at some point, so take it easy on hording information
A: Sorry no...
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:46 AM... so much that I would love to chat, I don't really have time to answer calls directly. If you want to hear my voice ( ), feel free to subscribe to our podcast:
http://www.cnet.com/inside-cnet-labs/?categoryId=9958852&tag=rtcol
You can email me directly there and maybe I can help a bit.
Q: Mac NAS?
by andrewm57 - 8/28/08 11:18 AMSuggestions for a home Mac NAS? I need less than 75-100MB. And maybe use more of it for iTunes storage.
A: Hard to say...
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:27 AM... 'cause there's no NAS that gives you less than 250GB. 100MB is just really small amount of data (I am not saying it's not important,just small) and you don't need a NAS for it. I'd recommend burning it on a CD once in a while.
Q: Windows Backup
by raymond.a.young - 8/28/08 11:17 AMHello Doug,
How would you rate Microsoft's built-in backup and restore center in Windows? Is this application good enough or should I be looking at a third party product to back up my entire drive?
A: 3rd party
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:25 AMIf you mean the System Restore, it's not really a backup and you shouldn't use it too often as it might cause problems. The Backup tool works well but it's very limited and hard to recover.
Also it's Dong, by the way.
Q: Best strategy for Media Library backup
by Owyn - 8/28/08 11:16 AMI have a medium size library of approx 140GB audio which has a lot (never ending) work involved in tagging. I regularly backup my media library database and periodically backup new/updated media files to DVD. Wondering about using external hd instead.
A: RAID1
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:23 AMI'd recommend getting a RAID 1 or RAID 5 external hard drive. However, keep backing them up on optical medias once in a while, too if you have time. That doesn't hurt.
Q: backup on ubuntu
by niCorp - 8/28/08 11:16 AMHey Mr. Dong, what is the best backup application for Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop Edition.
A: Good question
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:21 AMI have to say that I don't know. If you dual-boot with windows I'd recommend Acronis, otherwise, I haven't tested many backup apps for Linux. However, you use built-in or free backup apps that comes with the distro to back up data onto an external hard drive.
Q: Apple + Windows Network Storage
by dsorensn1 - 8/28/08 11:14 AMI've struggled to find a good network attached storage solution that would work well with both Apple and Windows based machines (I have both in my home).
Any suggestions?
A: Synology DS-107+ or..
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:19 AM... DS-207+.
http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/synology-disk-station-ds/4505-3190_7-32987447.html
Q: Re: Online Backup
by absolutelyent - 8/28/08 11:13 AMI like your suggestion of using Datto but it's a bit pricey. What do you think about HP Upline or Mozy?
A: I hear you
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:17 AMI think those two should work well too. Or you can use services that come with the hard drive, like external hard drive from SimpleTech:
http://reviews.cnet.com/1770-5_7-0.html?query=simple+tech&tag=srch&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=submit
Q: Speeds of Camera Memory
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:13 AMI have a Nikon D300 that uses CompactFlash cards. Do the speeds of those cards make a difference in how quickly the camera captures pictures?
A: Yes veyr much so...
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:16 AM...when you want to take multiple pix at a time. If you take only one every few seconds the card's speed doesn't matter much.
Q: Online-Operating system (ON-OS) computer
by usba - 8/28/08 11:12 AMWe are coming out with a breakthrough technology and we call it ON-OS (online-operating system) computer. We are now ready to come out and we have beta-test to show you. I need help in marketing and sales both traditional and internet marketing. Who can I ask for help on this matter.
We brought cloud computer to another level since you are actually using intuitively your regular PC online. Everything you can do on a regular PC, you can do it with us.
A: Matthew Elliot
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:15 AMYou can contact our hardware section editor Section Editor.
Q: Peer-to-peer network storage
by CatDaaaady - 8/28/08 11:10 AMHave you heard of any peer-to-peer network storage products? I have see a few but they are in the Alpha stages. Or they are implemented more for a 1-to-1 sharing. Not 1-to-many.
I envision a world where machines log into a storage service. Offer up a certain amount of storage for the network to use for other peers. And in turn, that machine gets to store its files on it's peers.
All encrypted of course
A: No but I have with NAS
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:14 AMI thinks this sounds like a NAS devices. If so yes, I've review quite a few of them. Else, I guess, I need to keep myself even more up to date.
Q: What do you use @ CNET?
by Penguinisto - 8/28/08 11:09 AMJust out of curiousity, is it CommVault, NetBackup, BakBone, Bacula... what?
A: I don't know
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:12 AMI don't know, really, but our IT department has been notoriously good with backups.
Q: backing up online
by opescorin - 8/28/08 11:08 AMI have all my music files on my computer,but once in a while I have to reset my computer due to a virus of something like that.
IS THERE A FREE PROGRAM ONLINE THAT WILL LET ME BACK UP MY MUSIC (SONGS) SO THAT I CAN KEEP THE SAVE IN CASE MY COMPUTER CRUSHES???
A: Yes
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:11 AMYes, music files are just data so it will work with any online backup services. However, this type of files is generally big so you might want to get an external hard drive. I'd recommend the My Book Mirror:
http://reviews.cnet.com/1770-5_7-0.html?query=my+book+mirror&tag=srch&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=submit
Q: online backup
by absolutelyent - 8/28/08 11:04 AMHello, what is your favorite online backup service? I'd like unlimited storage.
A: Datto
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:09 AMI'd say Datto though I don't use it.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9978547-1.html
I leave my stuff on CNET server that it's been working well so far .
Q: Backup Software
by t26l - 8/28/08 11:03 AMI'm running Windows XP SP3. I've used True Image 9 to backup to an external hard drive, but later switched to Norton Ghost 12, because I preferred the interface. I've done restores with TI, but never needed to while using Ghost. Is Ghost 12 generally reliable? In your opinion, what's the most reliable imaging software for XP today?
A: Acronis
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:07 AMI'd stick with Acronis (True Image that is), you can get new version (version 11) that offers more features and a better interface. Acrionis 11 also supports Vista very well (not that I'd recommend this OS).
Q: Online vs. Hard Drive Backup
by justno1 - 8/28/08 11:03 AMWhich one is actually safer, online backup or hard drive backup?And how do you, Mr. Dong Ngo, backup your own data?
A: Both and yes
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:06 AMBacking up basically means putting data at as many different places as possible so I'd say both. Online back is safe from disasters (sort of) but it's slow while the local one is much faster. So if you don't have much to back up at a time, online is the way to go.
Yes I do back up my stuff.
Q: Online Storage
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:01 AMDo you have a recommendation for any services that provide online storage? I don't need a lot of space--maybe less that 2GB.
A: Yes
by ngodong - 8/28/08 11:04 AMYes you can actually use gmail with gmail drive:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GMail_Drive
It's free and gives you more than 2GB.
If you want something else more, I'd recommend getting an external hard drive from SimpleTech like the re-drive, it comes with 2GB of free online storage.
http://reviews.cnet.com/hard-drives/simpletech-re-drive/4505-3186_7-33184083.html
Incoming questions
(NT) Thanks Dong!
DROBO
I have a general idea how Drobo works.
1) Do I need a back-up to back-up Drobo?
2) As I swap out each drive to replace it with a new one, what do I do with the old drive? Do I need to keep them or is everything still in the Drobo?
Thank you!
1) Do I need a back-up to back-up Drobo?
2) As I swap out each drive to replace it with a new one, what do I do with the old drive? Do I need to keep them or is everything still in the Drobo?
Thank you!
by eclipse525 - 8/28/08 11:56 AM
Automatic Backup
Hello,
What's the best automatic backup software for Windows Vista? I'm looking for something that can essentially mimic Apple's Time Machine.
What's the best automatic backup software for Windows Vista? I'm looking for something that can essentially mimic Apple's Time Machine.
by NCTARHEELS - 8/28/08 11:49 AM
Re: HP Upline vs. Mozy
Could you elaborate on which service is better and why, HP Upline vs. Mozy?
by absolutelyent - 8/28/08 11:41 AM
5400 to 7200
I have run out of space on my MacBook Pro. I'm thinking of upgrading the stock 100GB 5400RPM drive to a Hitachi 7K200 7200RPM 200GB drive. Will I notice the extra speed or should I just get a bigger 5400RPM drive?
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:36 AM
question and answer
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using FreeBSD?
You should have referred the ubuntu question to the ubuntu forums.
You should have referred the ubuntu question to the ubuntu forums.
by white-bread - 8/28/08 11:35 AM
NAS
what is your recommendation for a large NAS (1 or 2 TB) or external hard drive that can be accessed remotely? Thanks
by zakko75 - 8/28/08 11:34 AM
Green Drives
Do Western Digital's GP drives really use less power? What do you think of them?
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:33 AM
What do you think about Newt Data?
Dong,
I'm thinking of buying a 2TB box from a company called Newt Data. Apparently, it's connects to netork but works like a USB drive. What so you think?
I'm thinking of buying a 2TB box from a company called Newt Data. Apparently, it's connects to netork but works like a USB drive. What so you think?
by CERNconcern - 8/28/08 11:32 AM
Re: Mac NAS?
Sorry, my bad, that should have been 75-100GB...
by andrewm57 - 8/28/08 11:31 AM
C-drive is full
My computer keeps telling me that my C-drive is dangerously full. I have deleted all that I feel comfortable with deleting, but it has done no good. What is happening???
by markamam - 8/28/08 11:31 AM
Your thoughts on Windows Home Server
I've been thinking about building an WHS box. Initial need is to back up my 4 home computers. Then, have possibility for streaming media, remote access, etc. Your thoughts about WHS?
by ScottRay - 8/28/08 11:31 AM
Windows Home Server
What do you think of Windows Home Server as a backup solution?
by imbng - 8/28/08 11:28 AM
Re: Peer-to-peer network storage
I hear what you are saying about NAS.
But I miss-typed when I said 1-to-many storage setup.
I mean many-to-many storage. True peer-to-peer
I have looked at several products like:
flud.org/
cleversafe.org/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/powerfolder-/
http://www.ifolder.com/index.php/Main_Page
Among a few others.
But none seem to hit the mark for what I am looking for.
But I miss-typed when I said 1-to-many storage setup.
I mean many-to-many storage. True peer-to-peer
I have looked at several products like:
flud.org/
cleversafe.org/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/powerfolder-/
http://www.ifolder.com/index.php/Main_Page
Among a few others.
But none seem to hit the mark for what I am looking for.
by CatDaaaady - 8/28/08 11:26 AM
Network Storage Suggestion
I have a home network with Macs and PCs. I use a Drobo hooked up to an Apple Airport using USB. It works great.
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:21 AM
Mac NAS?
Suggestions for a home Mac NAS? I need less than 75-100MB. And maybe use more of it for iTunes storage.
by andrewm57 - 8/28/08 11:18 AM
ON-OS
Who is your hardware section editor, if I may ask?
by usba - 8/28/08 11:17 AM
Windows Backup
Hello Doug,
How would you rate Microsoft's built-in backup and restore center in Windows? Is this application good enough or should I be looking at a third party product to back up my entire drive?
How would you rate Microsoft's built-in backup and restore center in Windows? Is this application good enough or should I be looking at a third party product to back up my entire drive?
by raymond.a.young - 8/28/08 11:17 AM
Best strategy for Media Library backup
I have a medium size library of approx 140GB audio which has a lot (never ending) work involved in tagging. I regularly backup my media library database and periodically backup new/updated media files to DVD. Wondering about using external hd instead.
by Owyn - 8/28/08 11:16 AM
backup on ubuntu
Hey Mr. Dong, what is the best backup application for Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop Edition.
by niCorp - 8/28/08 11:16 AM
Apple + Windows Network Storage
I've struggled to find a good network attached storage solution that would work well with both Apple and Windows based machines (I have both in my home).
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
by dsorensn1 - 8/28/08 11:14 AM
Re: Online Backup
I like your suggestion of using Datto but it's a bit pricey. What do you think about HP Upline or Mozy?
by absolutelyent - 8/28/08 11:13 AM
Speeds of Camera Memory
I have a Nikon D300 that uses CompactFlash cards. Do the speeds of those cards make a difference in how quickly the camera captures pictures?
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:13 AM
Online-Operating system (ON-OS) computer
We are coming out with a breakthrough technology and we call it ON-OS (online-operating system) computer. We are now ready to come out and we have beta-test to show you. I need help in marketing and sales both traditional and internet marketing. Who can I ask for help on this matter.
We brought cloud computer to another level since you are actually using intuitively your regular PC online. Everything you can do on a regular PC, you can do it with us.
We brought cloud computer to another level since you are actually using intuitively your regular PC online. Everything you can do on a regular PC, you can do it with us.
by usba - 8/28/08 11:12 AM
Peer-to-peer network storage
Have you heard of any peer-to-peer network storage products? I have see a few but they are in the Alpha stages. Or they are implemented more for a 1-to-1 sharing. Not 1-to-many.
I envision a world where machines log into a storage service. Offer up a certain amount of storage for the network to use for other peers. And in turn, that machine gets to store its files on it's peers.
All encrypted of course
I envision a world where machines log into a storage service. Offer up a certain amount of storage for the network to use for other peers. And in turn, that machine gets to store its files on it's peers.
All encrypted of course
by CatDaaaady - 8/28/08 11:10 AM
What do you use @ CNET?
Just out of curiousity, is it CommVault, NetBackup, BakBone, Bacula... what?
by Penguinisto - 8/28/08 11:09 AM
backing up online
I have all my music files on my computer,but once in a while I have to reset my computer due to a virus of something like that.
IS THERE A FREE PROGRAM ONLINE THAT WILL LET ME BACK UP MY MUSIC (SONGS) SO THAT I CAN KEEP THE SAVE IN CASE MY COMPUTER CRUSHES???
IS THERE A FREE PROGRAM ONLINE THAT WILL LET ME BACK UP MY MUSIC (SONGS) SO THAT I CAN KEEP THE SAVE IN CASE MY COMPUTER CRUSHES???
by opescorin - 8/28/08 11:08 AM
online backup
Hello, what is your favorite online backup service? I'd like unlimited storage.
by absolutelyent - 8/28/08 11:04 AM
Backup Software
I'm running Windows XP SP3. I've used True Image 9 to backup to an external hard drive, but later switched to Norton Ghost 12, because I preferred the interface. I've done restores with TI, but never needed to while using Ghost. Is Ghost 12 generally reliable? In your opinion, what's the most reliable imaging software for XP today?
by t26l - 8/28/08 11:03 AM
Online vs. Hard Drive Backup
Which one is actually safer, online backup or hard drive backup?And how do you, Mr. Dong Ngo, backup your own data?
by justno1 - 8/28/08 11:03 AM
Online Storage
Do you have a recommendation for any services that provide online storage? I don't need a lot of space--maybe less that 2GB.
by bob.mcclenahan - 8/28/08 11:01 AM
Dong Ngo, CNET Senior Technology Editor live!
Ask the Editors live chat event: Storage and backup
Do you have questions on backing up your important data? Or how about questions on hard drive storage? If you do, you've come to the right place!
For one whole hour on Thursday, August 28, starting at 11 a.m. Pacific time (2 p.m. Eastern), CNET Senior Technology Editor for CNET.com, Dong Ngo will be here to answer your questions and discuss anything to do with backing up your computer data and hard drive storage.
Don't miss out and bring your questions for Dong!
Do you have questions on backing up your important data? Or how about questions on hard drive storage? If you do, you've come to the right place!
For one whole hour on Thursday, August 28, starting at 11 a.m. Pacific time (2 p.m. Eastern), CNET Senior Technology Editor for CNET.com, Dong Ngo will be here to answer your questions and discuss anything to do with backing up your computer data and hard drive storage.
Don't miss out and bring your questions for Dong!
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 8/20/08 11:45 PM
