Backup suggestion for PC+USB+CLOUD

[sanur]

Before I get started - I know that my backup strategy is not best practice and doesn’t follow the 3-2-1 strategy, but it’s all I have right now so would appreciate any assistance.

I am brand new to Duplicacy, I am using the web GUI version and plan to continue using it. I’d like some assistance in setting up the following backup ‘topology’ if you will:

DESKTOP

Volume A
Volume B

USB (permanently attached)

Folder C
Backup of desktop volume A
Backup of desktop volume B

CLOUD

Backup of desktop volume A
Backup of desktop volume B
Backup of USB folder C

I have no specific requirements regarding backup to USB and CLOUD, only that it’s done at least once a day.

I was planning to do the following, let me know your thoughts:

Source: DESKTOP (volume A + volume B)
Destination: USB
Type: Backup

Source: USB (folder C)
Destination: CLOUD
Exclusions: Backup of volume A + volume B
Type: Backup

Source: USB (Backup of volume A + volume B)
Destination: CLOUD
Type: Copy

Will this be sufficient? I’m also unsure of when I should be running these backups, how far apart, and when should I be incorporating pruning and checking?

Thank you in advance

[Droolio]

This is essentially what I do but with a NAS instead of an external USB - a Windows Server acting as my local storage. The server has its own network shares that are backed up to the cloud, in addition to the Duplicacy storage that resides there.

You shouldn’t have to add any actual exclusions for your folder C backup.

All you’d have to do is make sure to create a copy-compatible storage in the cloud from the local storage, or visa versa.

I run checks and prunes daily but only because my server is on 24/7 and it doesn’t impact anything when it runs for an hour or so in the morning. Otherwise, it’s up to you.

You could run prunes less regularly - like once or twice a week. A check can take a long time if you have a lot of data, so if you don’t want to tie up your computer, again - that’s something you could schedule less regularly - although I suggest doing it daily if you only have one backup of your C folder.

As for being sufficient? Having only one backup of your C folder is certainly not ideal.

If you’re using Google Drive or B2 for cloud, I’d trust it those more than Webdav/OneDrive/Dropbox. Either way, you could always add a third storage to this setup very easily. Another external, connected up less-regularly, perhaps? Or if you have friend or family that could host a little Raspberry Pi with an attached drive. Or even another cloud provider.

Your plan is a good starting point.

[sanur]

Thank you for the comprehensive reply, I appreciate it.

I am finding out that I am needing to add some exclusions to get the backups to work, additionally I’ve had to add -vss.

Are there any other backup switches that are recommended to get a robust backup?