Hi -

 

I know this is a little off-topic, but hopefully Ok for the Lounge forum.  I have my new unRaid server up and running, so one of the next steps is to get backups running on my local PCs to the NAS.  I'm currently using Windows Backup on one laptop, but it won't backup to a network location.  I used to use Cobian (and I could again), but it looks like he has sold the software so its future is unknown.

 

What I'm looking for:

• Clients running Windows 7/8
  
• Backup to Unraid Server
  
• Image backups are nice but not critical.  Data file backups are the main functionality I'm looking for
  
• I'd like to be able to run a full backup, then a series of incrementals
  
• After a pre-determined time or number of incrementals, I want to run another full backup, then more incrementals, etc.
  
• I'd like the program to help manage the storage space of the backups by cleaning up older backups based on some kind of user configurable parameters (time, number of backups, etc)
  
• Run on a schedule, either as a service or without requiring the user account to be logged in, and handle anything needed like Volume Shadow Copy to backup open files
  
• Email notifications would be nice
  
• Ability to backup to the cloud in addition to my NAS is nice, but not a requirement
  

 

Is there anything that's working for you?  Free would be nice, but I'd be willing to pay if it hits all the features I'm looking for.  Easeus ToDo appears to be too simple, FBackup is too simple.  I have no experience with Acronis, AOMEI, Nova or Genie.  Comodo and Paragon look interesting.

 

Thanks

I use True Image to backup my PC to the NAS via SMB though it's been tricky getting it to see the UNRAID server from all computers. It does all of those with the addition that you can create images that exclude certain files or directories (say, for example, those files are already backed up to the NAS).

 

I have it set to keep two full backups, each with a daily incremental backup for two weeks. When it's ready to create the 3rd full backup, it purges the 1st full backup.

Interesting topic...I"m building an unRAID for our office and am about to face the same issue.

I'll check out TrueImage.

 

I use true image with success. On etc and one laptop.  Data and system images. Works great over network

 

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

 

 

I have True Image set up to split the backup into 25 GB chunks and using a cache drive. Backups are written fast and spread out on the array.

I have True Image set up to split the backup into 25 GB chunks and using a cache drive. Backups are written fast and spread out on the array.

OH! Brilliant!

 

Hi, all -

 

I decided to go with Acronis True Image.  It's generally working well though there have been two times the backup ran for 2.5 days    .  No good reason, just paused in one of the stages.

 

FYI, Acronis True Image 2014 is usually $49.99.  I've seen several ways to get better prices, though:

• I saw Acronis True Image 2013 (last year's model) for $9.99 on New Egg.  Didn't move fast enough, though .
  
• Acronis is running a mid-summer sale right now for $29.99.  Not sure how long it lasts.
  
• I installed the 30 day trial version.  I let it run out because I felt $49.99 was too expensive.  A few days after I let it run out I got an offer to purchase for $29.99.  Is that related to the summer sale, or could you do the same?  Dunno, but it might be worth a try.
  

 

Thanks for your guidance.

You can also get a copy of Acronis True Image 2014 with the purchase of an HGST Tour Pro drive.