My home computer situation has 3 different OSes [Mac, Windows, & Linux] and different backups. In addition we needed a common data stor for all three. The solution was realized by deploying a NAS [network attached storage].
My backup solution includes 1 Mac, 2 Windows 7, and 2 Ubuntu MATE [dual boot with Win7]. I decided that using commercial backup solutions was a bit complex, plus I had reservations about trusting the commercial cloud applications that abound.
My solution - purchase a network attached storage [NAS] and have it backed up on my private network. I purchased consumer grade products and now have a 7 TB [NAS] available to all. Since I wasn’t in a hurry I waited until manufactures refurbished units were available. I intentionally disabled the Cloud aspect limiting access only to my in home private network.
####Products purchased:
- 3 TB My Cloud - NAS from Western Digital
- 4 TB My Book - USB3 from Western Digital
- TP-LINK 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch connects NAS and selected devices to WIFI router
####How this is used:
- My Book is always connected to the My Cloud NAS providing a target for backups.
- My Cloud is always accessible from any where in my home via WIFI providing a common data stor
- Initial backups of each computer was performed when hard connected to the switch
- Backup now performed via WIFI
#####Caveats:
- no off site backup if disaster strikes in home
- minimal exposure of NAS failure causing attached USB3 drive to also fail
- not utilizing full My Cloud potential