Re: Where should I have configuration information in a file or database

[Old_Gray_Bear]

For ease of usage, I keep the configuration for my critical databases in a file rather than a database table. For security, the file is on a USB thumb-drive that lives, when it is not plugged into the computer I am working with, in my brief-case. The brief case is either on my person, sitting in a locked drawer in my desk, sitting in a locked side-bag on my motorcycle, or (once I get home) being slept on by a 25 pound watch-cat. The cat likes the way the canvas book-bag adapts for his express comfort when he rolls over.

I back the drive up one a week; the back up is encrypted and and two copies are stashed, one on my work lap-top and the other on and old server machine at home. I keep the four previous generations of the backup, just in case. (In addition to the DB connection parameters for three moderately and one critically important Work databases, my Work Diary and some digital photographs that can't be replaced, children do grow up after all, are stored on the drive.)

In the past five years I have had to invoke the recovery procedure just once, but I do a recovery test once a quarter to make sure that I can. I am probably being a little be over-board on the paranoia side here, but....