How to back up your data

Where to store data

In order to ensure that your data doesn’t get lost, it (or a copy of it) should ideally be stored on your home folder on the Calypso server. When you are ready to publish it you can submit a ticket and share the folder which should be published with the curation team (using curation@saeon.nrf.ac.za). Storing it on the server ensures that it will be backed up and recoverable if something happens to the original data. Data in the home folders will not be automatically published (unless you send a request through to the data curation team) so your home folder can be used to store data that you are in the process of working on. Alternatively you can submit a ticket and request a temporary folder to upload to. If you need help with the process of storing your data, submit a ticket to the data curation team. When you are ready for it to be published you can follow the steps described here.

What is the server

The server is a centralised resource that you can access from your individual computers. You all have access to home folders that are located on the server and can be used to securely store data, you can also share your folders with others.

How to access the server

You can submit a ticket to the Systems Administration team to request access.

How to backup data

By putting your data on the server, you ensure that it will be automatically backed up offsite.

If it’s not on the server...

If you are not placing your data on the server then you will be responsible for ensuring that it is backed up. This can be done by regularly (daily, if necessary) backing the data up onto external devices (hard drives or flash drives) that are kept off site in a secure location as well as onto an online storage system. These should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that the data is still accessible.