why use backup applicatons?

[pumpkineater]

hi,

maybe this is a stupid question, but why do people use backup software? isn't everything backed up automatically anyway everytime one hotsyncs?

/p

[aaronrkelly]

No, its not. Doing a hotsync only backs up what files have the "backup" attribute set. You can check what does and doesnt with a file manager such as Filez. In adition alot of setting are not backed up. I use BackupBuddy VFS and when you restore you get alot better restore then with Hotsync.

Another bonus is BackupBuddy VFS (and alot of others) backup your Clie to memory stick. This way you dont have to return to your PC to restore.

[n2ifp]

I use tried and true MS Backup, esp if using an OS5 Clie.

You must remember, the desktop backup is all too easily contaminated before you realize it. If you have a lot of software installed like I do, then it is a major hassle without a good backup.

If there is one tip I can give, it's to backup religiously and frequently. Additionally, make backup copies of the memory stick to your PC's hard drive.

It's NOT a matter of if, it's just a matter of when!!! I have had situations where everything needed to be nuked, that is the memory stick, the Clie's RAM, and the PC's Palm desktop backup. All because I had taken a brief power hit during a file transfer.

Backups should not be taken lightly, it's serious business if your a Clie user worth their salt. :)

[aaronrkelly]

Yes I agree if your not going to spend any money on a backup app atleast use MS Backup. I dont have an OS5 device so I am not to savvy on what does and doesnt work with OS5 but there are some big downfalls with MS Backup.

One being the unability to restore to anything except for the original device. If your PDA breaks you cannot stick the mem stick back into another device and restore your data - it wont even work with the same model of PDA - it has to be the EXACT PDA.

Another being lack of security. If I find a PDA thats locked but has the mem stick in it (most people I know leave it in - I do) I can do a hard reset then use the backup to restore all your information back into the device. The backup program I use encrypts the backup data - dont have the password you dont get no data.

The timed backup is really just a convenience feature but this assures you always have a current backup.

I do have to applaud Sony for including a backup application and the ability to have multiple backups is very handy - my backup app does not allow this.

In short if you have a non-OS5 device and value your data go ahead and spend a little money and get a better backup app - one day you may be glad you did. Your PDA doesnt run a Microsoft OS but one day it will fatal error. Plus I would gladly pay $20 one time just not to have to re-enter all those damned registration codes that are a mile long.

[pumpkineater]

thanks for replying.

ok, it seems I should not be content with just hotsync:ing blindly every now and then.

but since I do not own a memory stick either I am wondering about more buget options.

found the text below in a previous thread: do you guys see any weaknesses in such a strategy which would make it more useful for me to buy a memory stick. (i wouldn't need it for anything else than the backup, I think since I use my clie mainly for agenda purposes and a few more elaborate 'organise my thoughts' applications).

thanks!

/p

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1. Clear out the backup folder on your desktop (good idea to zip up the files incase of disaster).

2. Get a copy of FileZ (other file managers may work also), and set backup to on for all files. This will set the backup attibute for your apps and databases in RAM.

3. Sync your Clie. All apps and db's should be copied to your pc.

4. Zip up the new contents of the backup folder using a logical name such as Monday or 033103 (todays date). Repeat this every day to create incremental backups. This way if data or apps are missing when you restore after a crash, you can check later backup sets for the missing data.

[aaronrkelly]

Seems better than just doing a hotsync....

[mjhamilton]

been looking into the FileZ method myself and found one issue... not all files backup..... if you set the bit to on for all files and then clear out the backup directory on your PC.... hit the hotsync button you will see the files backup...

.. however... if you compare the files in the backup folder with the PDA you will find loads missing.. and then if you open FileZ and check the backup dates for files you will find a whole load that have no date (ie not backed up)....

I have 7M of files in RAM.. when I do a Hotsync it only has 3.5M of files in the backup folder.....

There has to be a way of getting around this but haven't had chance to look as of yet...

[mjhamilton]

for the moment the best backup FOC with an MS is the built in tool.... unless you use any 3rd party launchers that can cause issues...

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by pumpkineater
thanks for replying.

ok, it seems I should not be content with just hotsync:ing blindly every now and then.

but since I do not own a memory stick either I am wondering about more buget options...Another option: backupbuddy (http://www.bluenomad.com/bb/prod_backupbuddy_details.html) will automatically back up the content to your PC (versus backupbuddyVFS which uses a MS).