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Backups and Redundancy (for professionals)

Home :: General Discussion :: Backups and Redundancy (for professionals)Reply

Backups and Redundancy (for professionals) Posted on: 21.09.2013 by Ervin Calvery Hi Everyone, I'm unfortunately very tough on electronics. I assume that a lot of these things break for reasons that are entirely my fault. I'm not entirely sure what behaviour causes this - I keep everything clean and covered with decksavers, invisible shields, and use common sense. (Some of you have seen my setup http://bit.ly/1adrar0 and pointed out that some of it's close to water, but that isn't what happened here). I'm writing from my phone because my laptop (MacBook Pro, Retina, latest model, maximum options, latest OS, latest, legal copies of all software) absolutely died in the middle of a Traktor/turntablism routine on Thursday evening . Apple evidently needs five days to repair the thing, and now I'm an electronic artist without a computer for the immediate future. Luckily, I have a smartphone, analog vinyl records and turntables, analog, brass trumpets, pen and paper, and analog, real-life friends. Eventually, I still need to be able to run Traktpr, Maschine, and Reaktor, though. I have at least three backups of everything, some of which are bootable, several trumpets, multiple stable versions of both commercial software and my own, and duplicates of most of my gear, but none of that helps here. So, what is the solution to THIS problem? My best response is to purchase a second laptop. I believe I'll wait until the next rMBP update to do so, and just keep my current one. Really, I can't believe of too many other options, seeing as I rely on software. I could do a gig on CDJs, or on vinyl (though it sort of sucks the fun of of a DVS if you're bringing all of your crates), or on Traktor DJ, but why about after the gig? Five or more days downtime is a huge deficit - it'll put me behind in school and work for sure, and I'm bound to miss a deadline. Do you guys run multiple computers? What is your solution, not just for a gig, but for a week without your system?
Narcisa Hughie 28.09.2013	Originally Posted by stinky Apple laptops are consumer gear. Consider buying something a little more rugged. Like a Lenovo T or X series, a Panasonic Toughbook, or a Dell Latitude ATG. Needless to say, no OS X on those. +1 There's an old adage that say's anything with 'Pro' on it really isn't pro at all Lenovo all the way. Proper business computers that have to work all day, everyday because if they don't the sky will fall down
Ervin Calvery 26.09.2013	Originally Posted by Paka Ono I have found that most people aren't that disciplined. You haven't met me!
Neville Blackinton 26.09.2013	Originally Posted by botstein I'm running rMBPs - it's way different. Also, wouldn't booting from a backup be faster and easier? To each their own. Each person should do what they are comfortable with. And if you are religious with your backups, then yes just booting your backup will be the simplest, but I have found that most people aren't that disciplined. Any new songs/work/changes done since the last backup obviously will not be available. Here's a video showing how to swap out the SDD in a rMBP. Takes about 10-15 mins Just knowing that once you swap the SSD/HD your setup will be exactly like it was prior to the hardware failure, should have a calming effect, in what can be a very stressful situation.
Ervin Calvery 25.09.2013	Originally Posted by DJLiteral I wouldn't wait for the next MBP model, I'd get the model right before the retina diplay models came out - those 15 inch models are BEASTS. I'm not going to downgrade. It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense - I'm definitely not going to go back to using any CDs or DVDs. Also, If I were to go to the Ivy Bridge models you're describing, I would have to source supported SSDs that were much bigger (probably a very expensive proposition) or I would be SOL in terms of production.
Alphonso Deitchman 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by Polygon Doing this in a club, if his laptop fails If your laptop fails you should fall back to your backup CDs/USBs/etc rather than attempting to open up your computer right then and there. Who brings a spare hard drive with your OS and programs mirrored to every gig anyway? Replacing a laptop hard drive is only really done every few months/years so taking a few minutes longer doesn't seem like an issue. If you have the latest model rMBP and buy another one as a replacement you can just switch the SSDs (and therefore not need to shell out for the top-model SSD).
Ervin Calvery 25.09.2013	Originally Posted by Paka Ono Hrmmm... I have swapped out my HD in my non retina MBP and didn't find it that difficult. Granted some laptop manufacturers definitely make it easy by putting the HD in a removable module/bay, but overall, it was just like any other computer maintenance IMO. And relatively speaking, swapping the HD/SSD is still the easiest way of getting yourself backup and running, in case of laptop hardware failure. I'm running rMBPs - it's way different. Also, wouldn't booting from a backup be faster and easier?
Dannie Dimora 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 It doesn't look that difficult on Ifixit, all you need is a pentalobe screwdriver to take off the back plate. I've taken apart a mbp (non retina) once, and it was difficult when compared to most laptops out there, which have a separate hdd loading bay on the bottom.
Dannie Dimora 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 The SSD is also modular and removable like the Wifi card, although the proprietary size restricts where you can get replacements. I didn't say the SSD wasn't replaceable. I did however say that it's a major pain in the arse to open a rMBP and change it. Plus it voids your warranty.
Narcisa Hughie 28.09.2013	Originally Posted by stinky Apple laptops are consumer gear. Consider buying something a little more rugged. Like a Lenovo T or X series, a Panasonic Toughbook, or a Dell Latitude ATG. Needless to say, no OS X on those. +1 There's an old adage that say's anything with 'Pro' on it really isn't pro at all Lenovo all the way. Proper business computers that have to work all day, everyday because if they don't the sky will fall down
Ervin Calvery 26.09.2013	Originally Posted by Paka Ono I have found that most people aren't that disciplined. You haven't met me!
Neville Blackinton 26.09.2013	Originally Posted by botstein I'm running rMBPs - it's way different. Also, wouldn't booting from a backup be faster and easier? To each their own. Each person should do what they are comfortable with. And if you are religious with your backups, then yes just booting your backup will be the simplest, but I have found that most people aren't that disciplined. Any new songs/work/changes done since the last backup obviously will not be available. Here's a video showing how to swap out the SDD in a rMBP. Takes about 10-15 mins Just knowing that once you swap the SSD/HD your setup will be exactly like it was prior to the hardware failure, should have a calming effect, in what can be a very stressful situation.
Ervin Calvery 25.09.2013	I might go to a 17" model when they drop the haswell update - especially if I could move beyond 750GB SSD and 16 GB of RAM.
Ervin Calvery 25.09.2013	Originally Posted by DJLiteral I wouldn't wait for the next MBP model, I'd get the model right before the retina diplay models came out - those 15 inch models are BEASTS. I'm not going to downgrade. It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense - I'm definitely not going to go back to using any CDs or DVDs. Also, If I were to go to the Ivy Bridge models you're describing, I would have to source supported SSDs that were much bigger (probably a very expensive proposition) or I would be SOL in terms of production.
Kelvin Ogdon 24.09.2013	I wouldn't wait for the next MBP model, I'd get the model right before the retina diplay models came out - those 15 inch models are BEASTS. But yea to answer the question, might as well go with having a backup MBP. I'm working towards the same thing myself! My backup now is an older Vaio unfortunately but whatever works.
Alphonso Deitchman 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by Polygon Doing this in a club, if his laptop fails If your laptop fails you should fall back to your backup CDs/USBs/etc rather than attempting to open up your computer right then and there. Who brings a spare hard drive with your OS and programs mirrored to every gig anyway? Replacing a laptop hard drive is only really done every few months/years so taking a few minutes longer doesn't seem like an issue. If you have the latest model rMBP and buy another one as a replacement you can just switch the SSDs (and therefore not need to shell out for the top-model SSD).
Ervin Calvery 25.09.2013	Originally Posted by Paka Ono Hrmmm... I have swapped out my HD in my non retina MBP and didn't find it that difficult. Granted some laptop manufacturers definitely make it easy by putting the HD in a removable module/bay, but overall, it was just like any other computer maintenance IMO. And relatively speaking, swapping the HD/SSD is still the easiest way of getting yourself backup and running, in case of laptop hardware failure. I'm running rMBPs - it's way different. Also, wouldn't booting from a backup be faster and easier?
Dannie Dimora 25.09.2013	So. I can replace my laptop's HDD by removing 3 identical philips screws, in about 2 minutes, using a easily-findable philips screwdriver. The retina MBP's bottom plate is held together by 10 pentalobe screws (is he going to carry a screwdriver everywhere he goes?) of which 2 are different and slightly shorter than the other. On the inside you'll have another screw, this time a philips one (2 screwdrivers). Total replacement time, i'd say around 10 minutes on a tidy desk, with no panic at all. Doing this in a club, if his laptop fails, will most probably result in 1) frustration of not having the screwdrivers in handy 2) lost screws 3) dirt and screws going in the fans, which are exposed when the bottom plate gets removed.
Neville Blackinton 24.09.2013	Hrmmm... I have swapped out my HD in my non retina MBP and didn't find it that difficult. Granted some laptop manufacturers definitely make it easy by putting the HD in a removable module/bay, but overall, it was just like any other computer maintenance IMO. And relatively speaking, swapping the HD/SSD is still the easiest way of getting yourself backup and running, in case of laptop hardware failure.
Dannie Dimora 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 It doesn't look that difficult on Ifixit, all you need is a pentalobe screwdriver to take off the back plate. I've taken apart a mbp (non retina) once, and it was difficult when compared to most laptops out there, which have a separate hdd loading bay on the bottom.
Alphonso Deitchman 24.09.2013	It doesn't look that difficult on Ifixit, all you need is a pentalobe screwdriver to take off the back plate.
Dannie Dimora 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 The SSD is also modular and removable like the Wifi card, although the proprietary size restricts where you can get replacements. I didn't say the SSD wasn't replaceable. I did however say that it's a major pain in the arse to open a rMBP and change it. Plus it voids your warranty.
Alphonso Deitchman 24.09.2013	The SSD is also modular and removable like the Wifi card, although the proprietary size restricts where you can get replacements.
Dannie Dimora 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 The rMBP has a modular Wifi card that can be replaced, just like any other laptop. Whoops, sorry for that. Still a major pain in the butt to replace it. And ram Cant be upgraded
Dannie Dimora 24.09.2013	Remember that swapping SSDs in th me rMBP is a PITA.
Julissa Serrone 23.09.2013	Originally Posted by botstein I guess I need to be more clear that I'm much more interested in 100% uptime, which would include the ability to play, than just in the ability to play per se. I also bring with me thumb drives with tracks as well as an hour long mix. I also bring an adaptor if I had to plug in my iPhone with enough songs to get me thru a set using Traktor DJ or DJAY. These two combinations would allow me to fire up my other laptop, and just incase I could always bring an Audio 2 if my Serato Sound Card fried on me and finish my set that way using an X1. 100% uptime.
Erica Charvet 23.09.2013	A backup laptop is the ONLY professional way to go if you are heavily reliant on software. I have a backup for both my live audio software AND my dmx software that comes out to every gig.
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	Hey Frank - I edited my post. Thanks!
Dino Hapgood 23.09.2013	Per the Tax writeoff - if you are a professional musician who makes money that you report on your taxes from doing as such, you can take any expense from said profession and deduct it from your taxable income. i.e. You made $2000 gigging this year as a DJ, but spent $2500 on your laptop you can deduct from your taxable income (which for year 1 would be $0 since we will assume you purchased the laptop exclusively for use as a musician) the amount of the laptop value which has depreciated. For instance, using straightline depreciation and a 5 year useful life (you may be able to get away with 3, but for our purposes we will use 5 for convenience sake) then you could deduct 2500/5 or ($500) every year from your total taxable income for the next 5 years - this is overly simplistic, however, as you would use MACRS and not straightline depreciation, a schedule of which can be found here (if you live in the US) - http://www.irs.gov/publications/p946...link1000270861. Or you can simply expense the item in the current year and deduct $2500 1 time, which would give you, in this case, $0 in taxable income for the current year and a tax loss carry forward of $500 for the next year which can be used against your taxable income in that year or up to 3-5 years forward to offset any taxes you may incur. Remember that this can only be deducted against the income you derive from use of your laptop, and not your general income from a regular employer. I'm not a tax consultant or financial adviser, but I am in the financial industry and I believe the above to be correct, however I assume no liability for use of said information when filing your tax returns and the consequences arising from said action.
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	Originally Posted by Paka Ono Having two identical laptops, is the easiest solution for hardware. If something on your main laptop dies, you simply pop your old hard drive in the backup laptop and you are back online in 15-20 mins. Then you can send off the failed laptop to get fixed, while you are running on your backup, and are only operating in a single-point-of-failure (SPOF) until you get your laptop back. I don't believe moving the original physical media would be the best solution, but these solid state disks are so fast that I could restore from a bootable backup in as much time. Originally Posted by Paka Ono You have to weigh cost benefit analysis. How much is not having a laptop for a week worth to you, versus spending the initial expense to get a second laptop. Owning two of anything obviously increases the cost, but if you are a professional, then there is no reason not to have backup hardware... Yeah, I'm definitely getting a haswell rMBP and keeping this one in need of repairs as a backup. Originally Posted by haze324 ...I purchased and OLD black Macbook for 350.00. Scratch Live ran PERFECT on it, that I made it my gigging laptop and kept the nice one at home. I had nothing else on the blackone except for SSL and music.....best 350.00 I ever invested. I'm glad this works for you! This wouldn't work for me - I guess I need to be more clear that I'm much more interested in 100% uptime, which would include the ability to play, than just in the ability to play per se.
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	Originally Posted by Polygon rMBP haswell update is coming 15th of October. I'm waiting for it haswell. (pun intended). Nice pun!
Alphonso Deitchman 24.09.2013	Originally Posted by Polygon even if rMBPs are made so that even if, say, the wifi module fails, you have to replace the whole damn motherboard. The rMBP has a modular Wifi card that can be replaced, just like any other laptop.
Julissa Serrone 24.09.2013	A while back I had some champagne splash on my Macs keyboard while I was mid set. My motherboard fried and my mac only worked when plugged in and half the keys didn't response. It took Apple about 2 weeks to replace the motherboard (they did it for free) so I purchased and OLD black Macbook for 350.00. Scratch Live ran PERFECT on it, that I made it my gigging laptop and kept the nice one at home. I had nothing else on the blackone except for SSL and music.....best 350.00 I ever invested.
Neville Blackinton 23.09.2013	Having two identical laptops, is the easiest solution for hardware. If something on your main laptop dies, you simply pop your old hard drive in the backup laptop and you are back online in 15-20 mins. Then you can send off the failed laptop to get fixed, while you are running on your backup, and are only operating in a single-point-of-failure (SPOF) until you get your laptop back. You have to weigh cost benefit analysis. How much is not having a laptop for a week worth to you, versus spending the initial expense to get a second laptop. Owning two of anything obviously increases the cost, but if you are a professional, then there is no reason not to have backup hardware, since every expense is a tax write off.
Dannie Dimora 23.09.2013	rMBP haswell update is coming 15th of October. I'm waiting for it haswell. (pun intended) As mdc suggested, learn to fix stuff yourself, even if rMBPs are made so that even if, say, the wifi module fails, you have to replace the whole damn motherboard. So it's easier said than done in this kind of products. Nonetheless, it comes in handy. I resoldered my power jack to my laptop when for no apparent reason it started disconnecting, and it's working flawlessly now.
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	Originally Posted by robdquick I'm a mobile dj, so I've also got a backup mixer, if my CDJ's go down I can just play from traktor using my MC6000, if my laptop goes down SC2900's and CD's or USB, and if all else fails I've got a load of tunes on my iPad that I could play from while I troubleshoot everything else!! I personally would not want to carry around a load of vinyl with me though... I've been playing Baritone for about 20 years now, mainly in marching bands both over here and in the states!! Nice! I remember pming with someone on here who had played with Black Dyke (!) I'm sure I made a note of it somewhere, but alas, we're only allowed so much storage space and I have to delete everyone's pms, even the good stuff, every so often. I like turntablism - that's the primary reason I use Traktor Scratch pro and vinyl records.
Cassie Sangermano 23.09.2013	I'm a mobile dj, so I've also got a backup mixer, if my CDJ's go down I can just play from traktor using my MC6000, if my laptop goes down SC2900's and CD's or USB, and if all else fails I've got a load of tunes on my iPad that I could play from while I troubleshoot everything else!! I personally would not want to carry around a load of vinyl with me though... I've been playing Baritone for about 20 years now, mainly in marching bands both over here and in the states!!
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	@Liambo Thanks for the response.
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	Originally Posted by robdquick I actually don't have a backup computer... but I always bring enough CD's with me... ...Nice to see another brass player here!! CDs specifically really would not work for any of my work, but bringing my crates full of records (which need to have more doubles in them,) is always an option. There might be something to be said for going to analog as a backup - maybe I'll press some more of my productions. Yeah, I've been playing since I can remember. I've played in orchestras, British-style brass bands, for rock bands and for reggae, dub, and hip hop recordings and more...
Ervin Calvery 23.09.2013	Originally Posted by AllDay What makes mac next gen compared to a pc laptop? You have (probably chosen to) misread my message there - when he mentioned windows, I just said "no way," skipped a line, and started a new thought based on the rest of his very thoughtful response.
Palma Hanslip 23.09.2013	That sucks man, but the second hand macbook option would be your best bet. My backup is a 2010 Macbook i purchased from new incase my Macbook Pro 2009 dies (purchased second hand).

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Backups and Redundancy (for professionals)