Choose between RAID and nothing.
Choose between RAID and nothing.
Consider backing up data through a dedicated drive rather than relying on RAID. RAID offers redundancy but can complicate recovery and may not protect against hardware failure. A dedicated backup drive ensures simplicity and reliability without the complexity of managing multiple storage configurations.
Is this a Windows PC? To protect your information, set up a backup program on an external HDD. This way you can replace it easily if necessary (keep a copy offsite). I’ll also check cloud backup options in case of disasters like fire or malware damaging both the PC and its backup drive. Does the school have IT support? If so, they can handle this for you.
RAID isn't meant for backup purposes. It boosts the stability of an active system. You should maintain backups on separate external drives. If you're managing a very small institution with limited funds and no dedicated IT team, cloud backups could be a viable option—provided the connection is strong. Services like MS OneDrive are convenient, as they automatically upload your user data to the cloud. There are privacy issues with these services, but for beginners it offers a straightforward, automatic setup. Other methods exist, but they often require Windows and involve minimal setup. Don't forget to keep backups on external drives too, ensuring they're protected properly. RAID would only be relevant if you needed a dedicated server running 24/7 for large-scale backup and storage needs.
RAID serves a different purpose than backup. It safeguards against drive failures but doesn't protect against viruses, ransomware, or other threats. Due to limited funding in schools, backup servers might be scarce, and cloud solutions could conflict with data protection rules, especially in the EU. If possible, secure a NAS with at least two drives in RAID 1 and back up her PC nightly. In emergencies like fire, theft, or accidents, having separate locations for the NAS and PC can prevent total loss. A Synology DS220j paired with two 4TB WD Purple drives should work well. The full setup can cost around $350, varying by location. Consider moving the NAS to another building or room for added security.
Thanks for the suggestions! To be honest, I’m the unofficial IT person at the school without pay (the long story). It’s a small private school, and I tried setting up a NAS but it didn’t work out because of several issues. She already has an HDD, but it’s had many problems. Since I don’t have much time due to my job, I’m searching for something easy to set up and reliable. Unfortunately, she often tries to fix things herself even though she thinks she knows tech, which isn’t always the case. Regarding RAID, I’ve only heard a bit about it and haven’t looked into it much—thank you for explaining that. I’d prefer paid services since the school has a tight budget.