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Windows/Linux Question: Setting up a "server" for network backup
#9
Clay,

Not sure if this is feasible but you may be able to use the same solution I used for my family. I turned my home theater Mac Mini into a backup server. But, instead of using Time Machine, I used Crashplan. Here is how I configured it:

The Mac Mini has two users. One is the primary user, the other a test user. It also has a 3TB external hard disk drive. I installed Crashplan on the computer in the primary user account and created an Crasplan account. Via the Crashplan account, I invited two people to back up from their computers to the mini.

In the Crashplan settings on the mini, I told it to store the backups of each "friend" on the external hard disk drive and to limit the amount of space allocated to them. I've allocated 500 gigs to each friend so far. this is ample space for them The rest will be allocated as necessary for additional friends and/or increased storage allotments for the existing users.

On the other machines, I configured Crashplan and simply let it do its thing.

Crashplan is doing its thing and the computers are definitely backing up to the server. Neither has suffered a crash or loss of data. So, I've never had to do a restore.

This setup is used at my parent's home and should be sufficient for their purposes. Not sure if it is appropriate for a business setting. But, if you have no backup system at all, I'd be inclined to say it's better than nothing.

For what it's worth, a SATA PCI card and a SATA drive or two is cheap. Definitely far less than the cost of building a hackintosh or buying a Mac Mini or any other computer for the same purpose. If it doesn't work the way you want, you already have ample storage for use in another go at creating a backup server. Smile

Robert
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Re: Windows/Linux Question: Setting up a "server" for network backup - by Robert M - 07-12-2011, 04:24 PM

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