On 26 July 2016 at 21:27, D. Hugh Redelmeier via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
| From: "Steve Petrie, P.Eng. via talk" <talk@gtalug.org>
| I donlt really have a few weeks to spare. I need to get the Linux PC up | and running, so I can get back to the rest of my life.
If you are not used to Linux, and you are used to Windows XP, and you don't have weeks to spare, you really should think carefully about switching to Linux.
I wanted to back Hugh on a couple points: switching to Linux if you're not familiar with it isn't something to be done quickly. Windows 7/8/10 would also have a learning curve, but the proprietary programs he speculated you might have will work, whereas they probably won't with Linux. Linux is a fantastic OS and I encourage you to use it ... but expect a learning curve.
I have no idea of the longevity or robustness of blu-ray disks. Consider diversifying to external HDDs.
I nearly chimed in with this option earlier: my backup method is multiple external (spinning) HD drives, some of which are "portable," ie. 2.5". With rsync, full backups are very fast - after the initial synchronization. And with the 2.5" drives, off-site is very easy. I tote one to a friend's place most weekends. The initial cost may seem a bit high, but the capacity is immense (up to 4TB even on 2.5" these days), the backups are easy and fast, and the reliability is excellent. -- Giles http://www.gilesorr.com/ gilesorr@gmail.com