Diskette backup systems are designed for small offices with light patient load.  Once a backup grows to more than 3 or 4 disks it is time to switch to a high capacity backup system.  Each diskette has a chance of an error.  When you multiply the number of disks you multiply the chance for error.  Past 4 disks the backup set becomes unreliable.  In addition the backup sessions take longer than is practical.

Backup Options:

Diskette Backup – Useful for only small amounts of data.

Tape Drive – There are various types of Backup Tape.  Older units tend to be expensive, unreliable and don’t hold much data.  Newer units are somewhat better but are still lower on the list of options.  If you purchase a tape drive you will need to use the software that comes with the tape drive to make your backup manually – you will not be able to use CBS to make your backup automatically.

LS-120 – This is a replacement for a normal disk drive.  The LS-120 disk drive can read and write normal disks as your regular system can.  In addition, the LS-120 drive can read and write high capacity 120MB disks.  You need to purchase both the LS-120 drive and new high capacity disks.  While very convenient this format has not proven to be very popular and there is some indication that it is being phased out in the industry.

ZIP Drive – You can purchase a Zip drive which holds either 100MB, 250MB or even 750MB depending on the type of drive you purchase.  This format is very popular and should be around for a long time to come.  It is very easy to set up, easy to use with CBS and reliable.  The only major down side of this type of backup is the Zip disks tend to run about $30 or so.

CDRW – CDRW is a very high capacity solution (650MB).  The drive price is comparable to ZIP drives but the disk prices are MUCH lower.  Usually you can find a CDRW disk for under $1.  You must purchase both a CDRW drive and CDRW disks.  In addition, you will need software to make a backup on this media.  CBS sells an excellent and inexpensive backup program HERE or you can purchase third party backup software from your local software vendor.