Backing up

[contriv]

Hey guys, I have a question about using Google Drive to backup my MacBook Air.

Currently I have one folder on my MBA filled with dozens of other folders and thousands of various files that change often, it's about 5 GB in size.

I use Time Machine to backup my entire compute to an external drive. Second, I use multiple thumb drives (a few stored off site) to backup the important folder.

I recently added one additional method, I've been using my Google Drive space to remotely store that one important directory. The only problem with this method is that I change so many files inside of the directory that I can't remember what has been changed, so my best option is to delete the folder that was previously uploaded to Google Drive and re-upload the current one. That can take a lot of time.

So I am assuming that if I install the Google Drive app on my MBA (currently I use it through the browser) I can use the "Sync" feature to backup my important directory to Google Drive automatically.

Does this sound like a reasonable backup solution? Does Google Drive's app do a good job of finding updated files and uploading them to the cloud?

 

[gsahli]

(I haven't used Google drive...)
Given that you are using a multiple backup media strategy (which seems good to me), I think it's worth a try.
Only thing I'd be cautious of - how often does Google drive/sync run, and how much "might" it slow down your Mac.

 

[contriv]

Thanks for the reply.

I am concerned with what you mention, whether Google Drive will slow down my system. Also, whether it is secure and reliable enough to be used as a backup solution?

 

[vansmith]

The only problem with this method is that I change so many files inside of the directory that I can't remember what has been changed, so my best option is to delete the folder that was previously uploaded to Google Drive and re-upload the current one. That can take a lot of time.

I'm a little confused by this. Are you looking to have a Time Machine style backup online? In other words, are you looking to see what a particular file might have looked like at different times? You can view versions of files by following the directions here.

 

[contriv]

No, I am not looking to be able to see older versions of files.

I want something that does an incremental backup.

By backing up manually to Google Drive, I have to move the entire folder every time I backup because I am not sure exactly what has changed since the last time I backed it up.