Backup server

[59ideas]

I looking to set up a VPS server to backup my local files.
I do not need websever or anything on this one.
Is VPS too expensive to this? Any cheaper solutions?

Anyone done something like this?
Any recommendation for softwares? My local machines are all XP.
Is there rsyn on windows?
Security issues?

Lots of questions. Thanks in advance for any tips.

[david]

I think it's worth trying the VPS option for your backup need. It's really not expensive and you get the benefits of been able to also host other services as you need them. I use mine (among other things) for version control (subversion/cvs) for personal projects, which in a way it's also a method for me to backup my important project files, and what's really nice is that I can access those files anywhere I am.

As for the sync software, in windows you can use rsync with cygwin. I use it at that all the time, cygwin is great because you get many tools you take for granted on any linux system and you really miss them when you have to work with a bare windows system.

As for cheaper solutions, it deppends. Are you looking for cost/density ratio? You may want to look also into using a NAS (network attached storage). You can get simple enclosure boxes at a store (best buy/ compusa/ tigerdirect/ etc). and buy a HDD to put in there, these enclosures have a simple web interface and you connect them to the network at home/work.

[Jinx88]

A VPS is the cheapest and easiest way to back up your system, a dedicated server would be too big and shared hosting is just not that secure. Also with the prices RapidVPS have it's so easy to be happy :)

[Cobra]

You might look at http://www.filecloud.com/about.php if you can get by with 500MB. Depends on how you do backups, and how much space you need. Filecloud is $4.95 a month and you can get a client that lets you copy files direct (over the net.) I'm a Speakeasy customer, and it's run by speakeasy (a national ISP), so that's where I heard about it. One advantage is that your files get mirrored to 9 geographically different servers. It also supports public, friends only, and private file storage.

The disadvantage is only 500MB currently, and if you make files public then people with no account, or a free account, will have to wait in a queue to download (5-10min before d/l starts.)

Anyway, a cheaper option to VPS, with geographic diversity, but less space. If you are a speakeasy customer you can get a free premium account.

[Rick]

Hi, if you are strictly looking for remote backup space and do not need the flexibility of a vps (root access, dedicated ips, all the rest, etc), check out this company:

http://www.bqinternet.com/

I have friends who use them and their prices are quite low.

[NightShade]

I looking to set up a VPS server to backup my local files.
I do not need websever or anything on this one.
Is VPS too expensive to this? Any cheaper solutions?

Anyone done something like this?
Any recommendation for softwares? My local machines are all XP.
Is there rsyn on windows?
Security issues?

Lots of questions. Thanks in advance for any tips.

I saw an article on Slashdot today about iFolder. It sounds
like something I want to use in my day job...

According to IFolder (http://www.ifolder.com/): " iFolder is a simple and secure storage solution that can increase your productivity by enabling you to back up, access and manage your personal files-from anywhere, at any time. Once you have installed iFolder, you simply save your files locally-as you have always done-and iFolder automatically updates the files on a network server"

[Hassasin]

The best way to backup your system imho is to go and buy yourself an external hard drive. A VPS or server would be a good idea but it carries a recurring monthly cost which won't be goo news if you're not making any money from it. The speed of transferring everything across the internet though... ouch.