LinuxQuestions.org - Question 2 of 2

I hope I've finally picked a time to switch over to Linux that allows for users – even super-users – devoted to a GUI approach. 95% of that switch seems to be working. I have a couple of problems and I'll offer them for help, separately.

I'm accustomed to backing up my work, daily, using Retrospect on my Windows XP machines. I've taken my external 5000DV Maxtor and hooked it up to the shuttle PC that now is my Linux box via Firewire. Running SuSe Pro 9.2. I'd like to use the YAST Backup wizard to set up a daily automated backup. So far, I haven't succeeded in a single manual 1-time backup.

The wizard says every step has been properly accomplished. The backup failed. Presumably, the problem is communicating with the 5000DV.

At one point, I appear to have succeeded in “mounting” the drive well enough to have reformatted the drive; but, I'm not certain if it converted to FAT instead of the NTFS used with the WXP PC's. Communications and “mounting” is really erratic.

Yes, I really hate all this arcane command-line crap! I had hoped this was the time for an average user [even one with 21 years experience] to drop in Linux with a GUI and walk through using the critter.

OK. I'm looking for suggestions on how best to communicate, evaluate using this drive. I hope the YAST Backup will be adequate to the task when communications are resolved.

Getting through these two problems should make it possible – in a gradual and measured fashion – to convert our whole home network and home/office work tin the Linux environment. There are two of us. I work in construction sales and run serious db's of proposals and work orders + enough graphics horsepower to produce multimedia CD's as a sales tool. My wife is in banking IT.

We have a mixed-use wired/wireless-G network with 2 PC's, 3 laptops and a PDA all communicating. Someday, when I can get as much PC-bound traffic, readily, as the reverse, to our home entertainment nicho, I'll crank up HMO hardware, as well.

Meanwhile, I'm open for suggestions on this Linux question.