Data Backups: Alternatives

Importance of Backups and Alternatives to Samba

Consider the ramifications of losing your laptop or its hard-drive failing: How will you recover your thesis, research project or other vital data? If your answer is that it would be very difficult or impossible, then please take the time to organize your thoughts about ways of backing up your laptop's data to CSLab's central file servers.

The easiest way to do this is by using Samba, which is covered on the previous page. If, however, your OS does not support the mounting of SMB shares, then please consider using scp (Secure Copy) to actively copy files into your home directory. Scp clients are widely available and provide a secure mechanism for moving files to and from your home directory.