Online Hard Drive Backup – Why Do You Need It?

What is an online backup?

An online backup is created by copying the files from your hard drive over the internet. You subscribe to a service and download their software. Once installed on your hard drive, you configure the software to create copies of your files.

Why is online hard drive backup better than keeping physical copies of your external hard drive?

When making copies of your files, it is important to keep a copy of your backup off-site. If you have your pc and your backup in the same place, there is nothing to stop a flood or a burglar from destroying or stealing your hard drive and your backup. By keeping a backup online you eliminate the need for a person to take a physical backup to another location, like transporting a cd to a storage facility. You will have a physical backup. It will just be hosted elsewhere and accessible to you over the internet.

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Is it convenient?

You can also use online backup services and software to automate your backup. So instead of leaving a note on your calendar to copy all of your working files to a cd on Friday and take it to the storage facility, your backup software can do that for you. Backups can be scheduled daily, weekly, or whenever your computer is idle.

Scheduling backups with software can also decrease the likelihood of forgetting to backup certain files or folders. The software can backup all files, or search for all files that have been modified, without you having to remember yourself.

Who provides this service?

There are many vendors offering online backup service. Three of them are IBackup, Mozy, and Carbonite. IBackup has multiple pricing plans and an interface similar to Microsoft Windows Explorer. Mozy has a service tailored to home users. And Carbonite has a trial version that does not require a credit card, so you can try before you buy.

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How should I choose?

When choosing a backup service, it is important to think about what you need and how technically inclined you are. And you will need to determine your highest priorities. Do you need a backup to be fully automated? Can it be setup quickly and easily? How much storage space will you require? And how much is it going to cost?

Is it safe?

Another concern is security. Your personal or business information is about to be transferred over the internet; and all you need is an internet connection. How is that safe? Most online backup services encrypt your files. Carbonite, for example, encrypts your files prior to transferring them over the internet. And your files remain encrypted at the data center. Only you can see your information.

What if I need my backup?

If disaster strikes, you only need an internet connection and your backup account information to recover your files.

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