Backup solutions - hardware/software

[diseases]

im looking for help on trying to pick out a backup solution for my system
((x1 500 gig data drive))
((x1 75 gig OS drive ))
VISTA 64-BIT

i think one 640/750gig external hard drive would be the most suitable, all-in-one option

QUESTIONS:

> i use this system as a image/video/audio work tool so the bulk of data is under constant change/revision
>>What is the most appropriate method of back up (full volume back up?/taking an image of the drive?)
AND
what additional software would i need to have to perform the operation?

>ive looked at seagate/western digital/buffalo external drives and have read different stories talking about incompatability with vista 64bit as well as slow data transfer speeds
>>Can someone help me pick out an external hard drive (ideally with USB2+Firewire connections) that is 100% compatable with my set up
OR
>>>Or an enclosure to house the drive in myself? (im finding it difficult to locate an appropriate enclosure availible to me in the UK)

if anyone could help me with any of this or at least point me in the right direction i would be really grateful,
all the best

[RecT]

Hi diseases,

The most appropriate method is to use a tool that takes incremental backups. When you first setup, a backup image is taken of the drives you select. After that - ie whenever you tell it to run - it will only backup the files that have changed.

Vista has such a tool built in and will run from Windows Scheduler quite happily - just go to Computer --> Right Click on a Drive --> Properties --> Tools --> Backup Now... and it will take you to a screen that will search for an appropriate drive to place the backup onto and then ask what you want to backup. The down side is that if you're not using Vista Business or Ultimate then it will only backup videos, documents etc. and not executable files.

Tbh the Vista backup tool is sufficient for my needs and runs every night so I havent had much need to test other programmes.

What is your budget for the new drive? Given that it will only serve as a backup drive and you wont be using on a regular basis, I suggest just finding the largest and cheapest drive. As far as I know, I've only known there to be issues with Firewire and Vista-64, not with USB2. All this results in is a slower transfer speed. But again, this is a backup drive that you're not going to use for everyday work and will only be used for backing up and (hopefully never) restoring the backups. Speed shouldn't really be an issue as long as you set the backup to run at, say, 2am.

This 750GB drive from Dabs seems appropriate: http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx...,4294955542,12 and has USB, Firewire and eSATA interfaces and is £78.

Alternatively, you can probably go for 1TB and slightly cheaper from PCWorld but will be limited to USB2 interface only.

Hope that helps!

RecT