From: "Steve Garrison"
Subject: BEST BACKUP SOLUTION - BANG FOR BUCKWISE
Date: 1997/05/30
Message-ID: #1/1
Organization: World Web Internet
Newsgroups: comp.forsale.computer,comp.forsale.computers,comp.forsale.computers.wanted,comp.forsale.computres,comp.forsale.hardware,comp.misc.forsale,dc.forsale.computers,fido.cforsale,ga.forsale,houston.forsale
I'd like to tell you about the backup system I'm using for my office and
customers. I think it's the best possible solution under $200, (not
including media). I've been using the Seagate Tapestor 3200 parallel
interface tape drive. It's guaranteed for two years and is a solid,
reliable performer.
I chose tape over the various kinds of disk media for one reason only �
COST. Zip drives are too small, (100MB), Jaz drives are 1 gig but cost
over a $100 per platter. They may make sense in some applications but at
$700 or thereabouts for a drive and four platters it didn't work for me.
Before I would offer this package for sale I wanted to prove its'
effectiveness. I prepared a full backup of a large Pentium system and
carried that backup to a spare system that was totally scratched in order
to simulate recovery from a catastrophic failure. I did this several times
and narrated the entire process under Windows 95. There are quite a few
considerations and tips - you can request this narrative via email. Don't
wait till disaster to learn the intricacies of the backup and restore
process. Unless you have multiple systems you won't want to scratch your
hard drive to simulate a backup.
DOESN'T USE SLOT OR BAY - Jaz or SCSI tapes need a motherboard slot.
Internals need a drive bay making difficult to transport. External
parallel port is the way to go.
INEXPENSIVE MEDIA � This packaged system comes with two Travan �3 standard
length tapes holding 1.6 gig uncompressed or 3.2 gig compressed. Also
included is a Verbatim TR-3 extra length at 2.2/4.4gig. This is 5.4gig
uncompressed with the entry system. At $35 per for the TR-3 extra,
additional gigabytes are about $16. Compare that to $120 plus per gig for
Jaz.
FLEXIBILITY � As a computer reseller I have more than one system that I am
responsible for. The parallel interface and small footprint of this tape
drive makes it a snap to unhook from one system and carry to another.
Share the services of this device with friends or family.
SPEED �This system really motors with the parallel interface. With my
parallel port configured for EPP, (enhanced parallel port � most pci
motherboards will have this option), transfer to tape is a steady stream
and speeds of 15 to 20 megabytes per minute are usual.
UNATTENDED BACKUP � Because the capacity of the tape is large, most backups
can be accomplished on one tape. No cumbersome chaining of media. I have
subdivided my 4.0 gig Western into static files and dynamic files. Static
files like installs and backups of customer systems go on one tape and all
dynamic files are backed up on another. These dynamic files include
Windows, software, internet files and basically anything that is likely to
be reflected in the Windows Registry. It usually amounts to about 950 meg
or thereabouts and a full backup with total compare of all tape files back
to disk can be done in about two hours.
RELIABILITY � I've had very few write errors and they are always caught in
the compare cycle. I will not sell anything that I haven't thoroughly
checked and I have done full restores to fdisked and formatted disks
several times. Worked perfectly every time! I've got an old Colorado
Jumbo 250 with media I'll sell cheap � don't think I ever did a successful
full restore with it.
SOFTWARE � Software comes in three flavors:
1. Tape-it � an interesting drag and drop implementation that makes the
tape look like a hard drive in Windows Explorer. Included with package.
2. Backup Exec version 5.3.4 � A traditional backup program that seems very
solid. Included with Verbatim extra length tape. Solid and recommended.
3. Backup Exec version 2.0b � A 32 bit implementation that allows for a
full restore WITHOUT having to reinstall Win95. The downside is that the
restore is very slow compared to restore under the full operating system.
Around $59 from Seagate software and not really necessary.
FINALLY, PRICE � I believe that this solution is the most powerful
available for the investment.
THE DEAL ==================
One Seagate Tapestor 3200 External Tape Drive
Includes: software, parallel interface cable, auxiliary pass through port
for printer, two year limited warranty. Suggested retail price $249
Two Seagate TR-3 minicartridges 1.56/3.2 gig � Suggested retail price $38
each
One Verbatim TR-3 Extra 2.2/4.4 gig � SRP $42
Seagate Tape-it software
Seagate Backup Exec 5.3 software � SRP$29.95
Shipping anywhere in continental US estimated $10
This is a combined retail value of $407
YOUR DELIVERED PRICE IS $265
Call or email Steve Garrison for further details
Garrison@wwisp.com
205 820-6440
I am a licensed reseller � good delivery of the product as described is
guaranteed.
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