"Bruce J. Richman" wrote

While I probably should have done it long ago, I've
decided it's finally come time to backup a rather large
LP/CD database that I've had on Paradox 7.0 for
many years.

"Large"... please define?


The database has about 7 different variables and
they are constantly being updated. There are about
1800 separate items (LPs/CDs) on the database.

Are we talking about a text based database? Have
you embedded wav or graphics files into it, too?
1800 is retavely small... unlike the time it takes to
keep it updated, I sure .


Ideally, I'd like a backup program that comes with
manuals such as the type one might get at CompUSA
or similar store. The program should provide for easy
automatic daily or weekly backups in which newly
modified/added data is saved.

"Easy backup on to CDs or DVDs"... are you prepared
for the hassle of always having a fresh blank in the
CD/DVD tray which would be required for auto backup...
depending on incremental or deferential backup file
size required?

You can get a 120GB internal drives cheap and they
are simple to install in your Dell. I pickup a 300GB
external HD last summer and it has been a no
brainer. The first priority of backup safely is to keep
the backup stored out of the building. These external
drives make that task simple. Do you have room in
your safe/safety deposit box for the cake of disks you’ll
generate in a couple of years ?


Also, I understand some of these programs can
provide "ghost images" of entire hard drives? (I've
done a little research on the Internet, but forget the
names of the programs that do this).

At any rate, my initial backup requirements involve the
Paradox 7.0 database and also, a large number of
Wordperfect 6.0 files, and a smaller number of Word
2000 files.

Hehehe... WP 6, 12 get released in May.


All recommendations welcome, and let's forego
the flames for a change.

Whoops, did I flame you ?