Here in a nutshell are the rules of backup 1. Any backup that is not test restored can not be considerd a valid backup 2. You should have two copies of the same backup. 3. A backup should be stored locally and another copy of the same backup should be stored remotely 4. You should protect your backups from environmental degrading influences. 5. Backups should be as secure as your server systems [or more so]. Recommendations: I am wondering why you would be backing up bootable dvd's. Copies on the shelf should be sufficent. Given the situation of almost 400gig of data I would suggest a disk to disk backup system. Way this works is you backup [Backup Exec has a disk to disk module] to a raided drive array. From there you backup to tape [you can get more on tape than dvd]. This way you have live redundant data and you have backups. Keep in mind any system you use as technology changes you will need to restore from the old system and backup again with the new. Best of luck Imagine the power of knowing how to internet search http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/Teachin...

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How about an online storage service?

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Unless you have more data, i would just order two 500+GB hard drive (seagate server class) and put a copy of my backup in each.

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You would do better with an actual hard drive. Writable DVD's and CD's fail in only a few years. A simple hard drive can easily last 20-100 years in storage. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

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Wanderer is on the right track...double back up. Your specifications on how you will use the back ups and how long you plan on keeping them has a major bearing on what you should do. If you are looking for fast retrieval then I would say to use discs and tapes...If you are striving for long term archiving then I would suggest DVD and discs. and of course the price of on-line/off-site storage is probably the best option. In The Matters Of Style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, Stand Like A Rock "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid."

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try a nas like drobo, built in multi drive array support "4" and hotswapable. not real cheat but nice on the road again!!

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*cheap on the road again!!

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some intelligent suggestions. If data is vital, you could try Amazon S3 kind of online service (15¢/GB), or simply save DVD/HD in bank vault for some $100/yr.

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jefro said: "You would do better with an actual hard drive. Writable DVD's and CD's fail in only a few years. A simple hard drive can easily last 20-100 years in storage." According to this source and its review of National Institute of Science and Technology studies: "By following the care and handling guidance provided by NIST, and by considering some important additional factors, you can reliably use optical media for backup purposes." Who to believe? A hard rive lasting 20 to 100 years? Where do you come up with those numbers? I think it is more probable that you will be able to find a drive that can read DVDs 20 years from now than to find a PC that will allow you to connect a current hard drive. National Institute of Science and Technology also said: Only 47 percent of the recordable DVDs tested indicated an estimated life expectancy beyond 15 years. Some had a predicted life expectancy as short as 1.9 years. So about 1/2 lasted more than 15 years and "some" failed in about 2 years. That's a far cry from the blanket statement "Writable DVD's and CD's fail in only a few years." when in fact MOST go beyond that. The important thing is to use quality media and proper storage. But, as already stated above you should always have two copies (one of which should be off-site) Michael J

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Well at the moment, i use Verbatim DVD's and have never had a problem with them, their stored in a safe case in the dark my only concern is loss of data but i've heard some great suggestions here

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