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Carbonite seems limited to 4GB files, not 100% clear
iDrive 10GB
Jungledisk 5GB
This kind of thing still upsets me. I have many files over this size that are important data to me (compressed archives generally). I suspect for most it is not an issue, but thought I would report my findings.
I've debated using the cloud like Carbonite, but for now, I use a 500gig WD USB3 external drive (about $50), that I plug in to backup weekly.. Takes about 15 minutes for a complete drive image (80gb or so of data) using "Casper" backup software.. I leave my trading computer on 24/7; I usually change drives every 3-4 years, to prevent problems..I also export my new studies or other important items, to my laptop upon completion..
If you're really paranoid about losing files, the external drive is small enough, to fit easily in a small, fire-proof safe..
Quick, cheap and painless.
Since I do not rely on trading (it's just a hobby), there is no need for exteme fail over solutions. But what seem to work for me:
1.) running an imaging software like Norton Ghost on my primary trading platform (desktop pc) as well as on my notebook. I have a basic image where only Win7 SP1 and Office 2010 with the latest patches are installed and registered (if you want to have a fresh and clean installation). Then i have an up2date image (two weekly, daily is exaggerated for me) of my desktop PC. If you are relying heavily on it, you could have a spare disk where you can restore your ghost image in less than 5 minutes from the image stored on another backup disk in your PC or from the Nas (you could even think of having a spare disk around for generic emergency cases).
2.) Nas with raid5/raid6 (depending on your needs) that provides SMB/CIFS services (network drive) to store non-essential stuff (since desktop PC has an SSD) and generic data. Besides that, specific config files/indicators are also backuped there. (my music collection gets backuped infrequently to an external drive that I store then at an offsite location, since I really love my music collection and already had to start three times over due to disk failures and theft)
3.) The Nas replicates only the most important files to Amazon S3 in an encrypted form (ssl transfer and encrypted files). If you have a "full Linux" distribution for your server or Windows Server, Zmanda/Amanda Backup Server Community Edition is worth a look.
- I also maintain a KeePass (password safe) list, which is backuped trough Dropbox (no problem since it is encrypted). Source Code of programming projects are stored on off-site repositories (SVN) like origo (origo.ethz.ch), that should be backuped by them (and you can also get a whole svn dump).
- Last but not least, I have also a GSM/UMTS/LTE internet stick for my notebook, so in case of emergency and internet disconnect, I am still able to handle orders etc...
My solution seems like an overkill for private users and hobby traders, but hey, everyone has his own needs for data redundancy.
Not familiar with Carbonite, but the other two yes.
On Idrive Pro which I use, it says it has been tested up to 10gb, not that there is a limit. The upload time on 10gb would be horrific
On Jungledisk Desktop Edition which is what I use, there is only a 5gb limit using the network feature. Otherwise there is no limit. Also you can break up archives like zip/rar files into smaller pieces.
Jungledisk has two backup modes you can set up. What they call a legacy mode which offers certain features like the ability to search thru the backup for files. An organized local disk makes this unnecessary to me. This mode stores the files uncompressed, and uses more space
The other mode is the backup vault which is more limited in it's feature set, but stores the files compressed. This mode has worked fine for me.
Jungledisk is the most versatile, albeit the less user friendly. It is also very price friendly.
Pete
PS. If you want me to test one of them for you, I will.
There are good reasons SC does it that way, but I think it is good that you are pointing out this pitfall though. SC users can of course place their data directory anywhere they want by changing one preference in the Global Settings. So, if you wanted to place it in the Documents dir, you certainly could do that. Personally, I love having my entire install in a single dir, that I can dump to a thumb drive and copy somewhere else. I do the same thing for some other apps as well.
What is the good reason that SC defaults to C:\SierraChart, instead of C:\Program Files (x86)\SierraChart? And that it stores it's data in the Program Files directory, instead of in the well accepted and industry standard Documents directory for user data?
I like Sierra. I know you like it too. But it seems like a poor design choice, and now they are just sticking with it because change is hard (?). We know the SC devs are smart guys, but we also know they are not receptive to change or critical feedback. Twenty years ago I liked to have well organized directories off the root too, in DOS 3.3 or so. But in the Windows world, it is not the standard and is frowned upon.
also, you can look at iomega usb drive with vclone that can take image of whole PC Iomega v.Clone App Portable-izes Your Entire PC
2 benefits
1) restore if your PC fails
2) run PC from usb drive when you are travelling
That "(x86)" did not use to be there. Notice how windows programs might be there or in the old program folder etc. Thats why I say it is comical. My backup program should not need to know about special dirs etc. Upgrading to a new PC is a nightmare.
Ever use a MAC? Most apps are the same, everything under one tree. Sure makes moving an app to another system easy. Also, to uninstall, you blow away the entire dir. Want to make a copy of an SC instance, copy the dir and you are off and running. Want to take it with you on a thumb drive, copy one dir done.
In any case, you could install SC into that dir, as you have a choice when you install, and as I mentioned you can also move your data dir wherever you want it. Once you install once, further upgrades from within the program know where the install is and install in place.
Got hit last week with a cpu intensive virus, that kept crashing the machine because it was overheating the cpu. Mawarebytes, Norton, and Windows Security Essentials would not detect it. Had to reinstall vista from my recovery disk. Good thing this happened during the holidays, an I also had backups.
and already had to start three times over due to disk failures and theft)
Twenty years ago I liked to have well organized directories off the root too, in DOS 3.3 or so. But in the Windows world, it is not the standard and is frowned upon.