GhostlyEye
software:
MCBase software:
PictureBook
software:
SQLBox
software:
TGrab
software:
General links:
Preferred data backup solutions.
Website contents: copyright © 1993-2001, Harry Doldersum.
Page index (& supporting links):
- Introduction
- Why backup your data?
- What about the repair programs?
- What is the best solution?
- Then what about our own example backup setups?
- Finally.
- Introduction.
- Why backup your data?
- What about the repair programs?
- What is the best solution?
- Then what about our own example backup setups?
- Finally.
Dear reader,
The following goes for ALL data processing applications, not only for our products. With ALL applications that you use, to process data (of any kind whatsoever), you should use a reliable and frequent data backup procedure. At this moment in time, our products do NOT come with their own data backup routines - although some example procedures are provided.
Well, your database might get damaged, by a harddisk problem or a power failure. Or it could occur simply by giving a "delete" command by accident - I'll admit that this actually happened to me, once. Stupid, isn't it? But if I wouldn't have maintained a frequent backup, I might have lost the work of years!! Think about this - is your data really SAFE?
Our "task dedicated" database products (MCBase and PictureBook) come with their own database repair programs, that will attempt to rebuild the database when damaged. Tests have shown us, that - in most cases - the rebuild is successful. HOWEVER, the availability of such repair utilities is NO GUARANTEE that these repair routines will be able to be successful in ALL CASES! You really should be aware, that a GOOD, RELIABLE and FREQUENTLY executed backup procedure is the ONLY THING that will keep your data really safe!!
The best solution for a reliable backup is an additional piece of hardware. Get your database backups on a DIFFERENT media then the original files. That is the BEST advice we can give you. Having your database backups on physical different media, will allow you to store the backup outside the location where the databases reside (then they'll even be safe in case of a disaster type of event).
We recommend to get either a tapestreamer (still the best, when working with the bigger files), a ZIP drive or a CD writer. Alternatively (to save money), you might want to store the databases on a (secondairy) harddisk. In that case, in order to save room, we recommend the use of an archiver program, like PKWare's PKZIP, Robert Jung's ARJ or the freeware program LHA by Haruyasu Yoshizaki (Yoshi).
Whatever solution you may choose, please take into consideration that the only reliable backup is the one that you can read back under as many different circumstances as possible. If you choose to use a compression tool, to save room on your backup media, be sure to use a wide spread and robust standard (like .ZIP, for instance).
Some of our product download pages contain example setups of how to implement a DOS based menu system to create backups with LHA. These example setups are meant to get you started with a backup procedure - these are most certainly NOT meant as the ultimate solution.
Creating a frequent and reliable backup is highly recommended, but is the responsability of the user. At this moment, backup software is not part of our product lines.
Please do yourself a favor and invest in a reliable backup solution. Creating a backup on the same harddisk as the original files, creates the risk that - in the case of a harddisk failure - you STILL lose ALL YOUR WORK!!
Why risk it...?