BG> With the main disadvantage that if the system is nicked, there's
BG> almost no chance of recovering the software which was on it.  At
BG> least with a HD crash, you have some vestige of a chance.

RS> Well, a well run system has backups, off site backups for the vital
RS> stuff too. For just that problem |-)

BG> Sure, if it had been say Poe's system, there wouldn't have been a
BG> major problem (except for him, of course), but I'd wager that the
BG> majority of systems do not keep regular backups on tape or disk,

Sure, I never cease to be amazed at the number of BBSs I have used where
you occasionally get a 'shit mate, the hard disk has died, terribly
sorry, you will have to register again etc'. Essentially they dont think
the reliability is worth the trouble presumably.

BG> and if they do, some would do as I do, and use a second HD for the
BG> backup and archive of important stuff.

Thats the main problem with that approach, its completely hopeless for
the theft situation.

BG> Which solves the problem of faulty HDs and the like, but does nothing
BG> to save you if somebody takes a liking to your system while you're
BG> out.  In that case, off-site or hidden backups are your only real
BG> protection against such a loss.

Yeah, only way to go if you care enough about the data.

--- PQWK200