Win 98 computer as backup PC

tothx · 05-09-2008, 04:26 AM

The store I work in is about to set up a back up system for email, backup of the more importaint info is allready done at a corporate level. But the email system is without backup.

Now, we have a couple of win98 computers. Havent gotten around to turn them on yet but theyre 7 years old, office PC's, werent good computers back then and they havent gotten any better.

The backup solution we are using is delivered by GoodSync. About 15 computers all storing their backup on this computer, is it gonna work fine or should we look around for a better computer to use as backup?

PS: Backup will be stored on an external harddrive, which is run thru USB 2.0. I'm guessing I will have to find drivers for this, will finding drivers for a win98 PC be possible \ easy \ hard? Or should I upgrade the windows to win2k or winXP? And how about Linux?

**OldGrayGary** · 05-11-2008, 02:34 AM

Hi tothx

Windows 98 is difficult to use in corporate environments: I wouldn't recommend it (not enough compatibility with hardware/software, and too easily compromised by malware).

Either Windows 2000 or Linux would be better choices -- the determining factor for that decision might be which of them can work best with your GoodSync software. See if you can find anything in the GoodSync help files or manuals that can help you decide.

External hard drives have dropped a great deal in price in the last year = they make wonderful backup destinations (nice and fast). If your company hasn't purchased them yet, they might want to consider simply getting a inexpensive OEM Desktop (one with an eSata port), filling it with some large hard disks, and having future headroom provided by the fast eSata option. Terabyte drives are now less expensive than 120gb drives were not so long ago!

Best of luck
. . . Gary

**djaburg** · 05-15-2008, 04:09 PM

I'd look at getting one of the inexpensive NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices that can be purchased pretty cheaply, say under $300. That would give you file storage for hundreds of Gb's of data and would be accessible to all people on your network. If you purchase one a little more pricey, then you can get one with built in RAID to further ensure your data reliability.

05-09-2008, 04:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
tothx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9 OS: Vista =)=\=/=(	Win 98 computer as backup PC The store I work in is about to set up a back up system for email, backup of the more importaint info is allready done at a corporate level. But the email system is without backup. Now, we have a couple of win98 computers. Havent gotten around to turn them on yet but theyre 7 years old, office PC's, werent good computers back then and they havent gotten any better. The backup solution we are using is delivered by GoodSync. About 15 computers all storing their backup on this computer, is it gonna work fine or should we look around for a better computer to use as backup? PS: Backup will be stored on an external harddrive, which is run thru USB 2.0. I'm guessing I will have to find drivers for this, will finding drivers for a win98 PC be possible \ easy \ hard? Or should I upgrade the windows to win2k or winXP? And how about Linux?

05-11-2008, 02:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
OldGrayGary Mentor, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 2,240 OS: Windows 98se/2000/XP/Vista	Re: Win 98 computer as backup PC Hi tothx Windows 98 is difficult to use in corporate environments: I wouldn't recommend it (not enough compatibility with hardware/software, and too easily compromised by malware). Either Windows 2000 or Linux would be better choices -- the determining factor for that decision might be which of them can work best with your GoodSync software. See if you can find anything in the GoodSync help files or manuals that can help you decide. External hard drives have dropped a great deal in price in the last year = they make wonderful backup destinations (nice and fast). If your company hasn't purchased them yet, they might want to consider simply getting a inexpensive OEM Desktop (one with an eSata port), filling it with some large hard disks, and having future headroom provided by the fast eSata option. Terabyte drives are now less expensive than 120gb drives were not so long ago! Best of luck . . . Gary __________________

05-15-2008, 04:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
djaburg TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,321 OS: XP SP3/Vista/7 Server 2K/2K3/2K8	Re: Win 98 computer as backup PC I'd look at getting one of the inexpensive NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices that can be purchased pretty cheaply, say under $300. That would give you file storage for hundreds of Gb's of data and would be accessible to all people on your network. If you purchase one a little more pricey, then you can get one with built in RAID to further ensure your data reliability. __________________ Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things they make it easier to do don't need to be done. The inherent vice of capitalism is the uneven division of blessings, while the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal division of misery.