Do you know when the absolute worst time to think about backups is? It’s that split second after you delete that important presentation or cherished photo. It’s the moment when the tech support guy tells you your hard drive has died and your data is lost.
Until recently, backing up or archiving important files usually meant endless hours with CD’s or DVD’s (or floppies!) and archaic software that you hoped you would not lose between the time you made your backup and the day you needed a file restored. While a necessity, making backups was difficult for the novice and average user and as such often fell by the wayside, a forgotten item until it was too late.
Endless hours of processing backup disks can now be replaced with online backups and file synching services. The necessity of a good backup is more important than ever, with online backups you can safely and simply backup your data into the cloud. An online backup provides 24/7 access to your files from any internet connected computer, smartphone, or tablet style device. Data storage in the cloud is one of the quickest means to data archiving and recovery.
There are a number of products and vendors that promise you online data storage and backup. Here are my recommendations:
#1 Your ISP. Many internet service providers offer some form of data storage for their users. Typically this storage is around 2 GB. It is provided “free” as part of your Internet package.
The advantage to this type of online storage and backup is that you already have access to it. No further accounts and password to manage or remember. Tech support is as close as a phone call to the same tech support for your Internet service.
Orange (UK et.al.) http://web.orange.co.uk/p/myco/landing [2]
Virgin (UK) http://www.virginmedia.com/myvirginmedia/vstuff/backup/find-out-more/ [3]
Comcast (US) http://security.comcast.net/backup/details/ [4]
Qwest (US) http://www.qwest.com/residential/products/digitalvault/ [5]
#2 Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo e-mail. Believe it or not, all of these services offer excellent storage. For long term archiving, attaching your files as emails and uploading them onto Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail can be an excellent way to store your data while having it in a secure and easily accessible location.
#3 Dropbox (www.dropbox.com [6]) offers 2GB free storage to start, multiple paid options also available. Dropbox offers file synching between the PC / Mac / Linux and the cloud. Load the desktop client or upload through the web interface and begin adding folders to the Dropbox folder. Once in the folder, Dropbox synchs the file between the PC and the cloud and any other devices that you have enabled with Dropbox including mobile and tablets. Quick, light and in the background, Dropbox is a must try and is my preferred Online Backup Solution.
#4 Windows Live Skydrive (http://explore.live.com/windows-live-skydrive [7]). As part of the Microsoft Windows Live suite of services, Skydrive offers an amazing 25 GB of online storage. It requires a Microsoft Live ID to sign in and begin using. Once signed into Microsoft Live, You can download the Skydrive client and begin using Skydrive to synch files across multiple computers and the cloud. Its easy-to-use interface, large amount of storage and complete compatibility with Windows OS make this an excellent choice for Windows users. I use Skydrive as a secondary backup solution with Dropbox.
#5 A final option to consider is Mozy (http://mozy.com/home/free [8]). Like most of the online backup providers, Mozy offers 2 GB for free and the option to add more through paid services. Mozy comes with PC and MAC clients, schedule backups and even file encryption. The encryption capabilities provide some peace of mind to those looking for an Online Backup Solution but concerned about privacy.
While 2 GB seems to be about the standard, some online file synch services offer more storage capacity but may also require that you add your contacts lists or sign up for advertisements or other services to gain the extra storage.
2GB is roughly equivalent to 250,000 text emails, or 300 songs, or 250 pictures.
The ability to quickly get at your data and long term storage are other factors to consider. All of the above recommendations have proven track records, long term company viability and are all well known companies. Your data should be available and controllable by you, being able to move your data from one provider to another or even duplicate it amongst providers for redundant backups are key considerations when choosing a cloud storage solution. The five suggestions above all offer quick accessibility and easy exporting of the data to take to another provider should the need occur.
Finally, regardless of the method or type of backup, whether online, disk to disk, imaging, CD / DVD copying, or floppies (hopefully not!), having a recent backup of your data will insure you never have to face that dreaded split second after your data gets ruined.
**Have a great free online backup solution? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor kagitapus [9].
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