Backup options

[ClydeD]

I am looking for recommendations about workflow/backup. I currently backup my RAW files right away to an external hard drive. In fact I have two hard drives. I back up my files to both of the hard drives. Later, I backup my PSD and jpeg files to the hard drives. All of photo files are also on my computer. I cull my photos frequently, so I still have some room on my computer.

Because my backup program only allows me to write the entire photo folder and subfolders to a hard drive, I delete file on #1 hard drive, then copy files from my computer to that hard drive, then repeat the process for #2 hard drive.

But, eventually, my computer will be full, so I will not be able to keep all photo files on it. Therefore, if I were to delete a hard drive's files before backing up from my compture, I would be deleting files that are no longer on my computer.

I am interested in how you address this situation. How do you back up your files to be sure you do not lose any photos, particularly in the case that your computer does not contain al of your photo files?

[Dchemist]

I always put a copy of the orignal files on a CD or DVD using date and subject as folder name... Its worked so far.

[gjl711]

I use a separate PC for my short term backup. After every photoshoot I back up all the new stuff to the other PC. I also back up the files that have changed replacing the ones on the backup PC with the newer changed ones.

For long term backup I use Taiyo Yuden archival media. Standard off the shelf DVDs are only good for maybe 5 years and then the bit errs start cropping up. You can get gold archival media but thats quite expensive. Taiyo Yuden media performers as good as the gold stuff and is a bit cheaper. Stay away from the crap being put out in China and India. I'm sure some is good but much of it is really sub-standard and I wouldn't trust it for anything.

[Dchemist]

I agree with Gjl that Taiyo Yuden is the media to use.