Making Backups

Project Vincent files are backed up by the Computation Center, and Linux files are backed up by the department. If you have large UNIX data sets that need separate backups for some reason, talk to Jon Roden about making use of the department's tape drive. For quick backups of important files on PC's or Mac's, you can use a floppy disk. But for more extensive backups, it's probably easiest to use a Zip disk or LS-120 disk. These disks hold 100 Mb or 120 Mb of data, respectively, so in most cases just one disk should be enough to hold your documents and data files (there is usually no need to backup applications, since they can always be reinstalled). On the other hand, if you have a lot more data than this, you can use a Jazz disk, which holds 1 Gb of data. If you have a Zip drive or LS-120 drive on your computer, then there is no problem. If not, then you can backup your files over the network by using the following instructions. PC backups to a Zip drive over the network: First, you must have file sharing turned on. This is configured in the Network control panel. Next, right click on the folder you want to back up and choose Sharing. Fill in the access information needed. Go to the public computer in 400 Carver and put your Zip disk in the Zip drive. This is drive D. Open Network Neighborhood and find your computer's icon. Double-click on that icon, and log in to your computer. Then copy whatever files you want to the Zip drive. (Note: You can also use the Microsoft Backup program instead of a straight copy.) PC backups to a Jazz drive over the network: The procedure here is the same as for a Zip drive (given above), except that the Jazz drive is drive J on the computer in 400 Carver. Macintosh backups to a Zip drive over the network: First you must have file sharing turned on. This is configured in the Sharing Setup or File Sharing control panel Next, highlight the folder you want to back up and choose Sharing from the File menu. Fill in the access information needed. Open the Chooser, find your computer in the Math zone, and log in. Then copy whatever files you want to the Zip drive. Macintosh backups to a Jazz drive over the network: The procedure here is the same as for a Zip drive (given above), except that the Jazz drive is located on the Delta file server in the Computer Lab. You may use this computer for making backups, although you are not allowed to use it for other purposes.