Online Backup

Backing Up Your System

In the past the only option for file backups were magnetic tapes, piles of floppy discs or CD-ROMs, DVDs and external hard drives. While these methods are able to produce a backup copy of major files, they have several drawbacks. First of all conventional backup media is always being updated and advanced. This means that every few years you need to create a new backup (or a backup of your backups) using the latest physical storage device. The second problem with conventional backups is that they take up a lot of storage space. Finally, conventional backups are typically stored on-site, so in the event of theft, fire or flood, they will most likely be damaged or destroyed.

In order to eliminate these drawbacks many companies and individuals are making the switch from conventional methods to online backup systems.

Online Backups: Pro and Con

Online backup systems, also referred to as a remote backup system, allow users to upload files to a server on the Internet. This offers several advantages over a conventional backup method. First of all you don't have to buy storage media like tapes, CD-ROMs, or DVDs. Next, you can access these files from any computer as long as it has internet access and a web browser. And you don't have to store your backups. So if you or your company has a fire, is burgled, or is damaged by a natural disaster then your backup files are still safe and viable.

The biggest concern that most people have about online backups is the security of their files. When online backups first appeared on the market security was a big problem. However, today most of the online backup services offer several security features like encryption and strict permission gateways for data access. Another concern that users have with online backup systems is that uploading files to a remote backup system and accessing uploaded files can be slow. This problem is fading with the advent of broadband and high speed internet connections.

After you have selected an online backup service to use you will need to set up an account, select a service package, pay for your service, download the software, and then install it on your computer. Most services will allow you to choose between backing up your entire system and/or backing up specific files. In most cases you probably will only want to back up your entire system once a month, while you will want to back up important files once a week or once a day, depending on how often these files are altered. After your files have uploaded you can access them again by logging into your account, selecting the files that you want to access, and then selecting to view or download the files.

Top Online Backup Services

• OmniDrive is another popular remote backup service provider. OmniDrive allows you to access and edit files online, share files, publish content online, integrate the OmniDrive platform into your own applications, and backup your files. This online backup service offers three different subscription options. The Pro Package 1 costs $40 per year and it includes 10GB of storage and 20 GB of bandwidth per month. The OmniDrive Pro Package 2 costs $99 per year and it includes 25 GB of storage and 50 GB of bandwidth per month. The third option is the Pro Package 3. It costs $199 per year and it includes 50 GB of storage and 100 GB of bandwidth per month. If you need additional storage space you just need to request it.
• AOL's XDrive service allows you to backup your files, store video and audio files, host content, and share files. XDrive offers a number of service plans including a free 5GB plan. If you need more storage space then you can use the XDrive 50 GB plan, which costs $9.95 per month. This plan includes file backup, remote access to files, file sharing capabilities, 24/7 customer support, and XDrive Shows.
• Mozy is an online backup service that offers a unique selection of services and features. Mozy offers remote access to files, automatic file backups, customer backup scheduling, bandwidth throttling, block backups, the ability to lock files, in-Windows restore option, 448-bit Blowfish encryption, 128-bit SSL encryption, file versioning, private encryption options, and month to month billing options. If you want to try this service out, or if you only need to backup 2 GB of data, then you can use their free service. If you need more space then you can subscribe to their Mozy Unlimited plan which costs $4.95 per month.
• Carbonite is another very popular online backup service. It offers a 15 day full version trial offer. If you like what you see then you can subscribe to their service for $49.95 per year, or $89.95 for 2 years. This is a very easy remote backup system to use. It automates most of your backup work for you. Every time that you log on to the Internet the Carbonite software scans your system and creates backups of new files and altered files.

Using Gmail as File Storage

A handy and free tool called GMail Drive adds a new virtual drive to your computer, using the 2GB+ of space in your Gmail account. You can copy files, create folders, just like a real physical drive, but the data is stored in a Google server. But there's an important caveat... since GMail Drive is not officially supported by Google, changes in the Gmail system may break it, causing you to lose access to files stored in this manner. And you should know that using GMail Drive could cause your GMail account to be temporarily locked. Google says: "If we detect abnormal usage... (using 3rd party file-sharing or storing software in your account) we may temporarily disable access. It will take between one minute and 24 hours for access to be reinstated."

But if you use web-based email, there's nothing wrong with emailing a few files to yourself as a very basic form of backup. I sometimes email a file to myself, travel to another location, open my email, and download the attached file to the computer where I'm working.

Got comments or questions about online backups? Post your thoughts below...