Best backup strategy with Seagate GoFlex

Hello,

I just bought (so it is returnable) a 2 TB seagate usb 2.0 HDD. Since it was only $100, I thought it was too good to pass up...

I guess my first question is whether I should use the Seagate software (Memeo) that came with it, or just do my own thing?

Second, I would like my 'own thing' to be a backup like Mozy does, where it backs up in the background anything that changes, including files that are 'open', like OUTLOOK.PST. Then you can go and pick which files to restore if anything bad should happen. Is there any software out there like this?

Detail:The drive is a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk, which has a swappable connector, so I presume this same drive could be used on a network...?

ALSO, it has Memeo backup software. Is this any good? What is the best/easiest?

Thanks!

Also, I was thinking of using this type of background backup to backup my Notebook files to my Desktop PC thru the home network, then the files on the Desktop PC would be automatically backed up to the Seagate, which is connected to the Desktop HD. Does this sound too kludgy, or is it a reasonable setup?

FWIW, I do own Macrium, so if that does anything. I also have my data in a separate partition from my system files, and periodically do a system restore disc and image. Now, having recently increased my RAM from 2GB to 4GB, and finding out that 32 bit Win 7 does not access all of the available RAM in 4GB, I am going to do a complete system overhaul, reformatting the internal HD on my Notebook, then installing Win 7 64 bit, and Office 2010 64 bit. Before doing this, I was just going to dump all of my files onto the new seagate external HD, in a folder "2010" and then go about deleting and reinstalling everything.

Your advice and input is greatly appreciated. Thanks for any suggestions!

juanantoniod said:

I guess my first question is whether I should use the Seagate software (Memeo) that came with it, or just do my own thing?

Second, I would like my 'own thing' to be a backup like Mozy does, where it backs up in the background anything that changes, including files that are 'open', like OUTLOOK.PST. Then you can go and pick which files to restore if anything bad should happen. Is there any software out there like this?


FWIW, I do own Macrium, so if that does anything.

Click to expand...

I don't know anything about Memeo. I'd find out if it is an imaging product or a conventional backup product. You certainly wouldn't need it, but it might be useful.

I'd do my own thing. There are numerous imaging and non-imaging products available for free. Microsoft makes one called Synctoy. Windows 7 itself has both a conventional and an imaging backup program built in, but some people prefer to use other tools.

If you have a Seagate drive, you can get a free download of the Seagate version of Acronis True Image from the Seagate web site. It and Macrium are both imaging products and both work pretty well.

I'm not sure about products that can back up open files.

I'd advise you not to rely on an imaging product to back up your own personal files. Images are OK for backing up your operating system.