NSave Highlights and Features
NSave Highlights and Features
The following topics should provide you additional insight into how NSave is setup to operate at UNL, allowing you to decide if this backup program is right for you. If you have additional questions not answered below, feel free to send your question to nsave@unl.edu, and we will provide you with the information you need. Computing Platforms Supported by NSave
Currently, the only computer systems that can take advantage of this offering are IBM-PC Compatible systems running Windows 98, NT, 2000 or XP and Macintosh. While NSave itself supports a variety of UNIX systems, Information Services is not prepared at this time to support those platforms.
What Types of Files are Backed Up?
To make backups run as quickly as possible, and to keep costs to an absolute minimum, NSave is configured to only backup your data files that have changed since the last time you ran a backup. The first time you run NSave, it might take up to an hour to backup everything on your computer - obviously depending upon the type and number of files stored on your computer. After the initial backup, most future backups will take from 1 to 5 minutes to complete. The file extensions that are excluded from the backup are .ade, .avi, .bak, .bkf, .bll, .cab, .cat, .chk, .chm, .cmd, .com, .crt, .dat, .dic, .divx, .dll, .drv, .dvd, .err, .exe, .flv, .hlp, .ico, .inf, .ins, .isp, .jar, .lck, .lex, .lnk, .log, .mdm, .mdt, .mdz, .mft, .mp3, .mpg, .mov, .msi, .mus, .ndk, .ntf, .ocx, .otf, .pfc, .rax, .reg, .rnx, .shtml, .sym, .sys, .swp, .tmp, .upp, .wav, .wma, .vmdk, .wmv, .vbs and .vxd. Open files that run on database and mail software packages are also not backed up.
What Happens if I Lose Everything on My Computer?
If you have some type of failure that causes you to lose everything on your computer, you simply need to re-install your operating system (W98, NT, 2000, XP or Macintosh), install your programs and then fire up NSave to restore your data files. For a small fee, Information Services can provide assistance to you on all aspects of recovering from this complete failure if your department does not have anyone to assist you.
How Long are Backup Files Kept?
As currently configured, any files backed up by NSave will be kept for at least 6 months from the time the file is erased from your personal computer. This is typically much longer than would be available if you were backing them up yourself to your own tape drive (if you backed up your computer twice a month, you would need to rotate a set of 12 tapes to achieve this same interval).
Are Multiple Copies of the Same File Kept?
Yes - as you make changes to your data files, NSave keeps the last three copies that have been backed up. Depending upon how soon you notice a problem with one or more data files, this gives you the opportunity to restore an older version of the file - hopefully one that does not contain the recently discovered error (or virus).
How Often Can I Backup My Computer?
As often as you would like - a few times each day - once a week - once a month.
Can I Use NSave to Backup our Department's Server?
Yes. Please contact the NSave Support Specialist at 472-6843 for details.
How Easy is NSave to Install?
Information Services has put together a small installation manual with step-by-step installation instructions, complete with color snapshots of how each installation screen should look at each step. If you decide you would rather hire someone to do the installation for you, the NSave Support Specialist will do the installation for a flat fee of $10 per computer.
How Secure are Your Files?
NSave is a very secure system. All files sent from your computer to the backup server are encrypted before they leave your computer. As configured by UNL, NSave will mix your files with those of everyone else on the backup tapes (you do not know this is happening). Therefore, it is impossible for anyone to "grab" your files without walking out with fewer than 500 tapes. Additionally, tapes that your files are stored on are unique to very large and complex computing installations, preventing anyone from simply taking one or more tapes to some other location for review.
Network Connectivity
NSave transfers your data files to the backup server across the UNL Computing Network. Your computer simply needs to be connected to the network through either a 10Mb or 100Mb Ethernet connection. If you are located off campus (county extension office, research center, ....), you should contact us to verify that your facilities network connection to UNL is sufficient for this purpose.
How Fast Will it Take to Backup Your Computer?
The first time you backup your computer, it will typically take from 30 to 60 minutes to back up everything on your computer. After this initial backup, future backups will normally take from one to five minutes to complete. All times indicated are based upon a computer attached to the network through a standard 10Mb connection.
How Long Will it Take to Restore Needed Files?
A typical restore of a few files will probably take from 5 to 30 minutes to complete. If you have suffered a complete failure of your computer and need everything back, it may take hours to restore the needed data files.
How Does NSave Work with Other Backup Systems?
NSave keeps track of files that need to be backed up in its own unique way (it does not rely upon the use of traditional "archive bits" on your computer). Therefore, if you occasionally use a different backup system to backup files on your computer, they will not interfere with each other.
Is There a Fee Charged for This Program?
Yes. While Information Services has taken every step to keep costs to a minimum, there is a $5/month fee for each computer participating in this backup program. This fee is used to pay for software licenses, duplication costs, tapes, and other items needed to bring this service to UNL.
Has NSave Been Evaluated at UNL?
Yes. An extensive trial program was conducted for over a year while Information Services customized the system for use at UNL.
Electronic Mail Updates to All NSave Participants
Each NSave subscriber will be added to an electronic mailing list. Through this list, we will keep you advised of changes to the program, software updates, and other important information as the need arises.
