computer back ups

So, to help me understand the problem better, are you talking about backing up a Web server or is this just a home machine?

If you're backing up a remote server then theres a different process. Backing-up you're PC has also some other process. For what I think you're after, having a back-up of your PC, when it instantly dies down, then you can restore it all back up is to use some Ghosting utility, you can assign to backup your files on a separate removal drive then when things dont go well, you can use the Ghost copy to restore everything including the OS...

I'm backing up my home machine - not a server.

Micorsoft seems to say that it's also great to have a server - but my impression is that feature is necessary so it (the Microsoft) can back up several computers).

I'm hoping someone else can answer your question as I don't have much experience with Microsoft stuff. If you've got a server setup you should be able to backup across the network to it. Linux has FlyBack, Apple has Time Machine, there must be something like this for Windows?

A nice program for Windows is Acronis True Image. We use it at work. For the features, worth the money.

-Greg

I am not 100% sure what you are wanting to back up either...

If you want to back up only certain data from your hard drive then making a batch file might be a solution, or using 3rd party software like Greg K suggested,
There are plenty about, another example is this:
http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html
Seems to be free to use the main features, purchase for more options etc

Have a read of this (built in XP backup feature):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx
It might be useful to you, allows backups to zip drive or other removable media, other networked PC, hard drive or external hard drive

It also has links to other suggestions, such as
"Drive imaging tools like PowerQuest Drive Image 2002 can take a virtual snapshot of your disk, compress it to a single file, and save it for quick recovery later."

If you come across an article/advice suggesting using RAID for backups, I suggest you don't. Raid isn't for backing up data, but some people seem to suggest it is ideal for that.

Just to elaborate on the other Greg's comments

I have had mixed feelings in the past about Windows built in backup software, not sure how well it is in XP (the one for Windows 2000 Server backed up our data, but failed to report files it could NOT back up becasue they were in use).

For server use, make sure you have something that will be able to back up files that are in use. This is why at work we were forced to pay $700 for the server version of Acronis. It does what was quoted by Drive Image, makes a snapshot of the drive and backs up that.

Also, whatever software you use, make sure it has a way to break up the file to something that can be portable and taken offsite. All the backups in the world won't help you if they burn down with the rest of your system in a fire. This is the #1 reason we couldn't just use windows backup even before i found out it wasn't backing up files in use. it made a 65gig backup file.... I don't recommend the use of carrying a portable hard drive drive around for the backups, like some places do.... one hard drop of the purse carrying it.... IMO not worth chancing your company on it.

Another feature I found that I like (haven't opted for it though) is Acronis has a module that will make a backup file, that will let you install the full OS to new hardware. It will do a base windows install then go out and get drivers for the new hardware. (Although my feelings, with the cost of the module and the cost of hardware, I'd opt to purchase two identical systems if you just have one small office server LOL)

The topic of RAID drives... it came up here when one employee accidentally deleted about 80% of the job files on a share. I was told "we have a raid drive, just restore it". Well not only did I have to let them know I found the raid controller sitting in a box in the old IT's guys desk, but also had to educate them that using a RAID controller (basic ones, set up for mirror'ing data) only helps you when you have actual hardware failure. Anything modified and/or deleted will be done to both drives.

Final parting thoughts: A lot of people see the backup's as a minor thing, not worth spending the time and money on. Lets face it, to do a proper backup schedule, you need to cough up the media and the time to swap all around. But stop and think about this. How much of your business is affected by the data on your server? What is the loss for you to even be down for one day?? Take the amount of money that comes into your business a month. Divide that by 30. How much is that compared to the software and hardware to make sure you business it back on its feet ASAP. (and while I'm at it, this not only goes for backup software, but things as critical as the computer you use for a server. Get something designed to be used and accessed 24/7)

-Greg