Spare PC - use it for backup?

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

I'm looking for ideas as to whether an idea I have is viable, and if so, how to go about it.

I run a small home network - desktop PC with Win2K, and a lappie with XP. The desktop PC is connected to a network hub, which also has a wireless access point and a broadband modem/router attached. This obviously allows sharing of files between the desktop and the laptop, and a shared broadband connection.

Neither PC is terribly high-spec, but both work fine.

A friend is getting rid of their desktop PC, which is about 8 years old but works fine. (They are upgrading to a faster model). I could have this machine for free ... would it be possible to put a really large HDD in it, and a network card, and connect it to my network but put it somewhere where it cannot be seen (in the loft, or basement, or something like this)? I would like to be able to use it to take regular backups of the files I have on the desktop machine, thus alleviating the faff of burning a CD whenever I get 'round to it, and also to provide me with a backup of my critical files should we get burgled and both current machines nicked.

Is this possible? How would I set about it? I would be happy enough with the installation of the network card and HDD, but how would I arrange for the files to be backed up to the 3rd machine every 24 hours (or whatever)?

Cheap ideas please ... there are lovely backup solutions available for lots of £££, I am looking to do this for free (or less than £10) if possible ...

Thanks!


Oli.

[Plotloss]

Yep, theres a specific linux distro for exactly this purpose as well.

Google for 'Linux NAS'

[zcacogp]

Plotters, thanks.

Snaggeroonie - Linux is a windows-like thing, non? Never used it - where do I start?


Oli.

[Plotloss]

The distro I have in mind boots from a floppy or CD Rom, its fire and forget stuff.

You stick the CD/Floppy in, its finds the disks and exposes them over the network.

Linux is an operating system which can be as easy or complicated as you want, this NAS one is fire and forget, hang on, I'll dig it out.

[Plotloss]

Review and explanation here:

www.michaelhorowitz.com/naslite.html

[Touching Cloth]

If you don't want to go down the Linux route then you could use Cobian Backup 7 for the backup running on a windows environment, set it check files every 3 hours and update any that have changed. It's freebie as well which is nice. It's pretty much what I do but do not hide away the spare PC, although it is a thought that has crossed my mind due to things like burglary etc. If you have XP Pro on the machine then you can also use remote access to control the PC as if you were sitting in front of it should you need to, failing that then maybe something like Logmein.com or a VNC programme.