Archiving to CD..

[perlguy9]

What methods/software are you folks using to archive your photos to cd-r?

Is there any good software to track what images are on what discs, or good software for spanning multiple discs.. etc..

Thanks

[Dans_D60]

I gave up on storing images to CR-r or even DVD-RW. The size of my images over the last two years has enlarged to 58+ gigabytes. So I use CR-r and DVD-RW as a method to transfer large files sets from one place to another. Nonetheless I totally believe in regular and routine backups of my images and other dynamic files. So in my particular setup I purchased a large hard disk and fast controller that is dedicated for backup and restore purposes only. Doesn’t matter if this disk drive is on the same computer or not. As long as it is a different physical device that provides fault-tolerant redundancy. I saw today that COSTCO has a Maxtor 120 gigabyte with an ultra fast ATA/133 controller for $129. Not bad considering I installed a 180 gig version a short while ago that ran me about $300. I found Retrospect v6 works the best for me as I’m using XP Pro for my workstation and Win2K as my server and do a full automated backup every 24 horus. Link here: http://www.dantz.com/ But, there are several backup packages on the market today.

I was able to acquire Adobe Album free from the PMA show in Las Vegas last March. It does a very good job of catalog and sorting. I’m still getting used to it!

Hope this helps!
Dan
http://www.pettusphoto.com

[cwhitla]

I use Archive Creator from http://www.pictureflow.com/
It builds a comprehensive index of images and spans CD's. The newest beta version also allows creation of DVD's. It's an excellent product and has features such as bit level verification so you can be assured that your archive copy is good. No propriatary formats are used in creating the CD/DVD's so any PC can open the standard format files (TIF, JPEG, etc). Even if you are keeping a backup on a second hard drive, it's really best to have another backup on a second media type such as CD or DVD.

[mtscomasp]

Dans,
Couldn't help but noticed your reply ... it even forced me to register.

I'm no expert when it comes to photography, but thought someone should tell you that your archive strategy/recommendation may have some serious drawbacks (or did I misunderstand you).

Did you ever consider viruses? or power surges? Nothing like losing all hard drives on a system in 1 shot.... it happens.

It sounds like you are implementing a more rigorous backup routine for yourself. I just didn't want people to think a 2nd hard disk can serve as a real backup.

[perlguy9]

cwhitla wrote:
I use Archive Creator from http://www.pictureflow.com/
It builds a comprehensive index of images and spans CD's. The newest beta version also allows creation of DVD's. It's an excellent product and has features such as bit level verification so you can be assured that your archive copy is good. No propriatary formats are used in creating the CD/DVD's so any PC can open the standard format files (TIF, JPEG, etc). Even if you are keeping a backup on a second hard drive, it's really best to have another backup on a second media type such as CD or DVD.

Thanks. I purchased Archive Creator a few days ago.. Today I finished burning the 47 CD-R's to backup my collection from 1999 (scanned images and digital) to present.

Now I need to dupe them all to alternate-brand discs..

It's a great program!

-j

[Dans_D60]

mtscomasp wrote:
Dans,
Couldn't help but noticed your reply ... it even forced me to register.

I'm no expert when it comes to photography, but thought someone should tell you that your archive strategy/recommendation may have some serious drawbacks (or did I misunderstand you).

Did you ever consider viruses? or power surges? Nothing like losing all hard drives on a system in 1 shot.... it happens.

It sounds like you are implementing a more rigorous backup routine for yourself. I just didn't want people to think a 2nd hard disk can serve as a real backup.

Good questions. Have I considered ….: Power surges? - no. I’m on a double UPS power supply system. Viruses? - yes. I keep my virus protection up to date (daily) and triple NAT network-to-network firewall isolation for all incoming traffic. Loss images – no. The drives are redundant so I always have two physical hot copies. But you do have a point and a complete loss of a computer system … like a fire or theft … will kill that schema. Weekly the entire system is mirror imaged to an offsite VPN data vault. Nothing incorrect with backing up routinely using CD, Tape, or DVD. I know – I’ve done them all. I just prefer the automated no-brainer approach. Lazy … maybe.
Dan
http://www.pettusphoto.com

[henkbos]

Ahh, the good old days when we only had one negative or slide. No headaches from bakups, double backups, etc.
I only copy to CD with Archive Creator. Good enough for my purposes. Disks are not stored off site.
I do not have a smoke alarm, burglar protection or fire arms.

[UK_Terry]

After reading this forum, i decided to purchase Archive Creator as well.

what a wondefull simple program. i now have to transfer off my other cd's which just contain file names.

[Mark Goldstein]

I use Archive Creator - an excellent and very affordable program.

You can read my review here:

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews.php