Powell wrote:


"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?


OK - you got me. Only large for an LP/CD database, I suppose. The actual
database file is about 1800 KB and expands and contracts from time to time.
The total Paradox program, including a number of different files and some
shared is more in the neighborhood of about 30 MB.



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?

No, it is strictly text basic. There are no graphics or wav. files involved.
1800 is retavely small... unlike the time it takes to
keep it updated, I sure .


Right. The initial database setup was very labor intensive.



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?


I realize that would be a nuisance, but am probably willing to do this
initially.


You can get a 120GB internal drives cheap and they
are simple to install in your Dell.

It probably would be. Actually my Dell only has a 40 GB drive, and I haven't
even come close to filling it up. Also, I have plenty of open bays. However,
I thought the risk here would be that if the computer "totally" crashed, both
drives could be destroyed. Am I wrong?


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 youll
generate in a couple of years ?


Probably - although I suspect I'd eventually go to an external hard drive. I
just want to test the waters in a small way first with a backup of just the
Paradox & WP files. No doubt, I'll do the rest of it later.



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.


I know. I've never been a fan of getting the latest upgrades just for the sake
of getting upgrades. I'm not a power word processor user, so my sord
processing needs are easily met by my old version of Word Perfect. For the
same reason, I've never bothered to upgrade Paradox. IOW, if it's not broken,
don't fix it.


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

Whoops, did I flame you ?



No, not at all. However, I c ouild still use some software recommendations
that would accomplish the stuff mentioned above. Something that comes with
manuals, preferably.


Bruce J. Richman