I need to come up with an off-site backup system. My buddy use carbonite, and likes it.
I spoke to a client the other day about what he used for his business, and he uses Dropbox. I kinda like that idea, so that I can have access to all my project files while on the road.
One thing I am concerned about is making sure that files are not accidently overwritten. I use my desktop as my main computer, and the laptop as the mobile workstation. I would only want to download selected file folders at one time, not my entire project directory.
Does anyone use dropbox in this way? I am just now starting to consider this option, so I haven't gotten too far into it yet.
Thanks in advance
Dropbox keeps track of which file is current so you don't have to worry about that. Rather than run a true file server, I have a projects folder shared through dropbox with 4 different machines and my phone. As long as two people don't open the same drawing at the same time it takes care of it. Dropbox also keeps previous versions of files so if you need to go back you can at any time. It is a small price to pay to ensure you always have access to your data.
I use dropbox and really like it.
I have 2 folders set up. One for archives and one for current jobs.
The good and bad about dropbox is that these folders are on the computer(s) and dropbox. I have them on 2 one in the office and one I carry in the field and home. The good is I can access and work from either location and it will be updated--IF I am connected to the internet. If not it will be updated on the computer Im working on but will not be updated on drobox & or the other computer till the active computer is connected. I have had only one instance that I can recall when I screwed up and then dropbox created a file that it labeled as a conflict or something like that.
I currently have about 10 years backed up on 2 computers, drobox, CDs and some on zip drives.
Pretty good system IMO. You can also "share" files with others w/o "sharing" all your files much like a ftp(?).
Dropbox is a good tool for sharing and keeping say your laptop projects synced up with your office, BUT IMHO it is NOT a good backup solution, if you delete a file, it is gone from all linked PC's as well as the Dropbox cloud storage!
I use backblaze.com for my backups and reduandant hard drives for my archives.
SHG
I have an external hard drive that automatically backs up selected folders, including my Dropbox folder. The Dropbox folder contains projects and within those projects, I often have a share folder that I share with the client. Now all data, including that which is provided by the client, is not only safe on Dropbox and sync'd with my local drive, but the local drive is automatically backed up to the external drive. Still not the most ideal situation, but I feel pretty safe.
No it isn't.
Dropbox journals files. You can go and undelete a file that has been deleted.
https://www.dropbox.com/tour/4
We use Dropbox heavily. I wouldn't try syncing just a handful of folders between desktop and laptop. I'd sync everything possible. Then you've got 3 copies - cloud, desktop, laptop.
We also use local and offsite backups as well. After all, Dropbox is not under your control and you can't stop something bad going wrong with the cloud data.
I've been using dropbox to transfer files but not as a backup. I couldn't find an option for dropbox to do a scheduled backup like I have on an external hard drive. Is that an option?
No, I don't think Dropbox has any schedule option.
It backs up, as soon as internet connection allows, anything you copy into its folder. It knows nothing about any other folders.
And since no one else has, I'll give a referral link for people to sign up. You and I both get more free storage from using this link rather than going directly to their site.
http://db.tt/JfyR4S8
Put stuff in the dropbox folder and its synced with the cloud and any other machines on your account. There's your off site "backup".
