We keep regular backups of home directories on both our Unix systems and our Windows Active Directory servers.

• On Unix, you can directly access some backup snapshots - for more information, see Unix Backups
• On Windows, you can also directly access backup copies of your files using the “Restore previous version” menu.

By default research data is not backed up centrally. You need to make special arrangements for this (and in general you will need to contribute towards the storage hardware required).

For Windows-based research computers, we do not currently offer a network backup service. We recommend connecting such computers to our Windows Active Directory file server. If you store your files on the server, we can make arrangements to back them up.

We run a system called CrashPlan Pro for backup of standalone computers. At present we are limiting subscriptions to one backed-up computer per faculty member, but we may expand its use in future, depending on feedback.

• More information on CrashPlan Pro

Note - Retrospect, the system once used to back up individual Windows and Mac laptops, was shut down in October 2010.