# Backup software suggestions

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backup-software-suggestions/610094>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [January 20, 2012, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backup-software-suggestions/610094 "2012-01-20T03:10:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MannyL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\
**Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backup-software-suggestions/610094/1 "2012-01-20T03:10:36Z")

</div>

I need suggestions on backing up one XP and two Windows 7 and one OS X Lion systems over the network to a 2008 Server. I’d prefer free or low cost solutions where you can juts set it and forget it.

My backup target is a removable HDD on the 2008 server.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![xxaxxmanxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ed8c4c/32.png) [@xxaxxmanxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xxaxxmanxx)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2012, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backup-software-suggestions/610094/2 "2012-01-21T13:45:14Z")

</div>

Given your mixed systems, I would take a look at [CrashPlan](http://www.crashplan.com). I’ve been using it for a while now and it exceeds my needs in a mixed environment (3 windows and 3 linux systems). The software can be configured for multiple backup destinations on any given system (local directory, remote directory, CP’s servers (_with paid subscription_), even a friend’s computer running CP). All backups are encrypted and you hold the key. Reports can be automatically emailed on a schedule detailing the progress made on each system. I really can’t recommend it enough.