Computer Backup...

[janzman]

...I want to backup everything on my computer onto discs but I don't know which type of disc to use ie: DVD-R,DVD+R or DVD-RAM.Is it better to use a number of discs with small storage capacity of fewer with maximum available storage or doesn't it matter which. Any advice including suggested brands and where to buy would be welcomed.

[Buenchico]

Some disc drives will only accept certain types of discs. DVD-R is the most common and therefore what I'd opt for. All standard DVDs have a capacity of 4.7Gb. Just use Tesco own brand DVD-R discs (which I can highly recommend) at £7 for 25 and you'll have no problems.

[AB Editor]

How much are you hoping to back-up?

Have you considered an external hard-drive?

[smurfchops]

Why not use memory sticks?

[janzman]

erm... don't know nothing about external hard-drives Ab Editor...Please enlighten me.

[SlackAlice]

AB Editor (the old codger) is referring to these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_st?keywords=external+hard+drive&qid=1391453635&rh=n%3A340831031%2Ck%3Aexternal+hard+drive&sort=relevancerank

[bibblebub]

an external hard-drive is so much less hassle than DVDs

[janzman]

Many thanks for this info. I'll do some digging into hard-drives thanks again

[anotheoldgit]

How would one set about copying everything including emails on the computer onto a portable hard drive?

[woofgang]

windows has a backup facility in it, just use that.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't think it matters much how you do it, and within reason to what. (Some media are more convenient than others, particularly if you can get it all on one disk.) Recall you probably don't strictly need to back up you system, although you might opt to. That should be reinstallable in the event of a disaster. But your data is what's most important. I'd avoid pen drives simply because I've had too much experience of them failing. Ok if you have the data elsewhere also.