Desktop Backup (Atempo) (Go back)
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Description:
Partners Research Computing provides a desktop/laptop disaster backup solution for MGH and BWH research communities. This service is for backing up work related data from Windows, Macintosh, or Linux desktop or laptop computers. This system does not back up Partners “Standard” PC workstations.
This system is intended to backup work related data files, not system files. File types not backed up.
Features include:
- Automatically backs up your data daily (Monday through Friday) and can backup data manually on weekends.
- Data stored on disk for 60 days. Deleted files retained for 60 days.
- Lost files can be recovered without having to call anyone.
- The system backs up files to 2 locations so if one location goes down, the other will have your data.
Cost:
- The first 20 GB are free via a Partners Research Computing subsidy.
- Anything over 20 GB will be billed at a cost per GB. That cost could fluctuate each month as it’s sensitive to total usage, that is, the more users of desktop backup with > 20 GB, the lower the cost per GB. Monthly charges will be based on the space you were using on the last day of that month.
- We have to charge monthly
- The per GB charge will be $1.00 - $2.00 per month. This charge will be evaluated each month, based on your actual historical usage.
Systems Requirements:
- Macintosh: Mac OS 10.3.9, 10.4,10.5 & 10.6
- Windows: Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, & Windows Vista Business and Ultimate editions only
- Linux: Redhat, Centos,and other variants of linux
- We install a software agent on your computer. This software communicates with the backup server.
- The name of your computer is changed so that the backup server can recognize it (this doesn’t affect the operation of your computer in any way).
- A Research Computing technician will install and configure the agent and do the first full download backup of all your data.
- After the first full backup is completed, a daily backup will occur and any data files that have changed will automatically be backed up. The machine must be on and connected to the network.
- Backups occur at a specified time during the day so you don’t have to leave the machine on overnight. If your machine misses its backup window, the system will retry until the backup occurs.
- If you need to restore a file or files, it can be done using easy to use tools installed on your computer.
When do backups happen?
The Backup will happen during the day between 8 AM to 6 PM. When you are set up, the technician will tell you when your system is set to backup.
The reason for backing up during the day is that the machine needs to be turned on and connected to the network while the backup is proceeding. If the system is unable to backup your computer at the specified time, the system will attempt to contact your machine until the backup is completed.
Folders that are backed up:
All data to be stored has to be in one file area on the machine.
| Mac | \Users |
| Windows | c:\Documents and Settings |
Folders that aren’t backed up:
|
Mac under \Users:
|
Windows under c:\Documents and Settings:
|
|---|---|
| */Music | */Local\ Settings/Temp |
| */Pictures | */Temporary\ Internet\ Files |
| */Library/Caches | */Local\ Settings/History |
| */Library/Cookies | */Cookies |
| */Library/Widgets | |
| */Library/Classic | |
| */Movies |
File Extensions we don’t backup:
The system is designed to only backup work related data. Personal music or movie/video files can not be backed up. Files with these extensions are not backed up:
|
*.aif
|
*.hdd
|
*.mp4v
|
*.tmp
|
|
*.aiff
|
*.hlp
|
*.mpeg
|
*.toast
|
|
*.app
|
*.ipsw_Ipod |
*.mpg |
*.torrent |
|
*.cab |
*.iso |
*.mpkg |
*.vmdx |
|
*.dat |
*.log |
*.msi |
*.vmx |
|
*.divx |
*.lst |
*.ncd |
*.wav |
|
*.dll |
*.m4a |
*.ocx |
*.wmv |
|
*.dmg |
*.m4b |
*.ogg |
*.xvid |
|
*.edb |
*.m4p |
*.pkg |
*.zip |
|
*.exe |
*.m4p |
*.pvs |
|
|
*.gvi |
*.m4v |
*.qt |
|
|
*.gvp |
*.mp3 |
*.rar |
|
|
*.gzip |
*.mp4 |
*.sparseimage |
|
|
*.tar
|
FAQ:
1. Are there clients available for multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, and DOS?
a. The system backs up desktop clients for Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Mac OS X (10.3 and up), and Linux. There is no support for DOS.
2. What are the size limitations on the amount of data to be backed up?
a. There isn’t a limit but there will be an annual charge per host for users that have over 20 Gigs.
3. What is the cost per host (machine) for the backup service?
- The first 20 GB are free via a Partners Research Computing subsidy.
- Anything over 20 GB will be billed at a cost per GB. That cost could fluctuate each month as it’s sensitive to total usage, that is, the more users of desktop backup with > 20 GB, the lower the cost per GB. Monthly charges will be based on the space you were using on the last day of that month.
- We have to charge monthly
- The per GB charge will be $1.00 - $2.00 per month. This charge will be evaluated each month, based on your actual historical usage.
4. If there are no limitations, can I do a full system backup?
a. Only work related data files can be backed up. System files, music files, videos, can not be backed up
5. How often do you backup my data?
a. There is one full backup the first day and then any files that change are backed up Monday through Friday, as long as your machine is powered on and connected to the Partners network. The system will retain 60 days of data.
6. If I am working on the file or have it open can the Backup System backup the file?
a. Yes, on Macintosh computers and No on Windows computers
7. If I enable my personal computer's firewall can that affect my machine being backed up?
a. Yes, the backup server has to communicate to the your machine. If you would like the firewall enabled we will need to configure it to allow it to be contacted by our server.
8. Do you backup email that is stored locally on my machine and for how long?
a. If you are using Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Entourage and storing the outlook.pst or the Entourages Database file locally on your computer, we only hold the data for 5 days. This is becaused the PST and database files get very large and change everyday. If you are using Mac Mail which stores each email message in a individual files then we store files 60 days
9. Can I backup from home or while traveling?
The system must be connected to Partners Network. Machines can’t be backed up over VPN or a dial in connection.
10. Where are the Backup Servers located
The primary server is located in the PHS Needham Data Center. The secondary server is in the Simches Data Center at MGH.
11. Questions?
a. Send an e-mail to rcc@partners.org You’ll get an answer within one business day