backup software or online backup

Popjudy · 20. Dec 2010, 03:33 AM

I really found backup is quite important for pc users.
But I'm not sure which one is better, backup software or online backup, and please tell me more advantages about the better one.

kendall.a · 20. Dec 2010, 03:46 AM

Neither is necessary better. In fact, I do both. I back up online via Mozy AND I back up my important files to an external hard drive. In addition, I make regular image backups. I recommend that you do all 3 as well.

Ritho · 20. Dec 2010, 07:56 AM

Kendall has the right idea. Redundant backups which are stored in different locations are very important.

Some people backup to a second hard drive in their computer. This helps protect against data lose due to the mechanical failure of their first drive. This is very unwise in the case of certain types of viruses that can damage any connected drive. Also power surges can get the second drive too.

An external hard drive is better, but if kept near the computer is still vulnerable to children, theft, fire, or flood. (I know some of these are worst case scenarios, but they can and do happen. In fact I currently live on the side of a mountain, which is a very unlikely location for a flood. My neighbor had his ground floor music recording studio flooded from a freak rain storm where the rain came down as if it was coming out of a fire hose. His very expensive computer with a high end graphics card was sitting half under water by the time he got there.)

So if it is possible to have a second remote backup, whether that is online, or an external drive that you keep in a secondary location, then by all means do it.

The problem with depending only on online backup is, while rare, there has been cases when individuals have lost their backups because somehow the whole backup was corrupted or even lost by their hosting company. Also online backup is better suited to backup smaller files. Storing and n image of a 500GB drive will break the bank it you rely solely on online storage.

Depending only on an external drive that is kept in an off site location is also difficult because you can't backup frequently to it. It is better suited to weekly backups.

By combining the different backup solutions you can cover all your bases, and put your mind much more at ease.

wdhpr · 20. Dec 2010, 11:04 PM

Kendall and Ritho have great advice. I use all three as well. I also have a couple of DVD's with software and registrations backed up as well as all important documents and Media. I then store the DVD's in a water and fire proof safe.

Just my 2 cents

Wdhpr

20. Dec 2010, 03:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
Popjudy Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4	backup software or online backup I really found backup is quite important for pc users. But I'm not sure which one is better, backup software or online backup, and please tell me more advantages about the better one.

20. Dec 2010, 03:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
kendall.a Foundation Editor/Forum Manager Intern Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,814	Neither is necessary better. In fact, I do both. I back up online via Mozy AND I back up my important files to an external hard drive. In addition, I make regular image backups. I recommend that you do all 3 as well. __________________ <-------Is looking for his brain....

20. Dec 2010, 07:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ritho Foundation Editor Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,391	Kendall has the right idea. Redundant backups which are stored in different locations are very important. Some people backup to a second hard drive in their computer. This helps protect against data lose due to the mechanical failure of their first drive. This is very unwise in the case of certain types of viruses that can damage any connected drive. Also power surges can get the second drive too. An external hard drive is better, but if kept near the computer is still vulnerable to children, theft, fire, or flood. (I know some of these are worst case scenarios, but they can and do happen. In fact I currently live on the side of a mountain, which is a very unlikely location for a flood. My neighbor had his ground floor music recording studio flooded from a freak rain storm where the rain came down as if it was coming out of a fire hose. His very expensive computer with a high end graphics card was sitting half under water by the time he got there.) So if it is possible to have a second remote backup, whether that is online, or an external drive that you keep in a secondary location, then by all means do it. The problem with depending only on online backup is, while rare, there has been cases when individuals have lost their backups because somehow the whole backup was corrupted or even lost by their hosting company. Also online backup is better suited to backup smaller files. Storing and n image of a 500GB drive will break the bank it you rely solely on online storage. Depending only on an external drive that is kept in an off site location is also difficult because you can't backup frequently to it. It is better suited to weekly backups. By combining the different backup solutions you can cover all your bases, and put your mind much more at ease. __________________ The smallest good deed is better than the greatest intention.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

20. Dec 2010, 11:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
wdhpr Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The north Coast Posts: 1,117	Kendall and Ritho have great advice. I use all three as well. I also have a couple of DVD's with software and registrations backed up as well as all important documents and Media. I then store the DVD's in a water and fire proof safe. Just my 2 cents Wdhpr