What is the best system backup option for the Macintosh?

A friend of mine runs his company bookkeeping on a Macintosh notebook. Recently, after a crash, he has come to understand the importance of effective backups. My question is this:

What's the best option for him, going forward? The main issue that needs to be addressed is that the backup be something he can hook up, get prompted, and simply execute a previous "version" of his hard drive in the event of a massive crash or virus outbreak. Ease of use (as with most Mac stuff) is the key - he is not exceptionally computer savvy.

While he is entertaining the notion of an external USB hard drive, I wonder if that still has a problem - namely that if *that* crashes then he's still stuck with platters trapped in a hermetically sealed case. Are tape backups still preferred being that they are separate tapes that can be used with any applicable hardware (ie - the tape drive may break, but the tapes themselves are fine).

All thoughtful answers are highly appreciated.

All of your mentioned solutions would work... I'll run them through for you..

Tape drives are usually used in business server backups. They are reliable, and have capacities of 10 GBs plus. However, they cost around $3000 for the drive, and around $100 for tapes.

USB HDDs are now the most cost effective option. If you go with a reputable brand (IE Maxtor), than crashing is virtually a non issue (unless you get violent with them). Some products such as the Maxtor One Touch series come with MAC software, which you load. When you want to back up, just press the button on the drive. Also... If you get an external USB drive, Leopard is supposed to have the new backup app...

If you're concerned with a hard disk breaking, then consider the age old method. DVD's. Depending on the size of your drive, expect to burn upwards of 40 of them... Unless you spring for Blu-Ray.

To tell you the truth, given the circumstances, your friend would be best suited with a product similar to the Maxtor One Touch line. The hardest part is installing the software.

Cheers and Good Luck,

-KJ57

Good answer, but the tape costs are WAY out to lunch. My 8mm tape drive (SCSI) holds 5gb per tape cost about $250 and tapes about $7 each. Used is way cheaper than new. Still, go with the USB external hard disks. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/accuse_write?qid=20070828121853AALudO2&kid=QcEmXGPoUDX6_.Mx9xw9Y.IiqJE8Ow0efR8.nafFSOm47rWOqsEM&s=comm&date=2007-09-05+21%3A21%3A31&.crumb=