Online backup has been around for a little while but both the cost and complexity relegated such solutions to businesses and those who had a real need to protect their data at any cost.
The need to protect your data has also become more important for home users. Not because of identity theft or increasing credit card fraud (although these are excellent reasons to take more precautions) but because, today, we keep our most personal memories on our computers in the form of digital photos, videos of significant events in our life and emails for distant friends and relatives that would of, in the past, been sent by post.
Web backup is coming of age. There are several online backup software providers offering unlimited data storage and simple to use applications to the home and small business user. All of these products offer some advantages over the traditional backup methods.
First, the web backup software tends to be 'fire and forget'. You install the little application which is downloaded from the internet and select the files that you wish to back up. The system then waits for a quiet time when usage of your computer and internet connection is relatively low and starts the transfer of your files to the online backup server.
The first backup takes a while, sometimes several days, but this is because it only needs to do this once and it is trying to be as un-intrusive as possible by not slowing up your PC or internet. Once the initial backup is completed then the software monitors your files looking for changes and additions. When it spots something it backs up the relevant data in the background without you having to remember to do it and without the need for a backup schedule.
You may be wondering about security. Each of these web backup systems encrypts your data on your computer before it is sent to the server, which is also carried out securely.
Accessing your files is easy. Single file access can usually be via a web interface as, as well as allowing you to replace lost files, it also allows you to access your files when away from home. A full restore of your data is usually made by installing the backup software again and entering your account details. Some web backup providers will also send you your files on DVD or USB drive for a small fee.
The switch from traditional backup methods to online backup couldn't be simpler. You just download the application from the internet and install it – job done. There is no need to transfer your existing backup files as the web backup service will take a fresh copy. However, if you wish to backup an external hard drive (that possibly has your previous backups on it) then this may be possible too – just check that the software provider offers this option as some do and some don't.
So, if you are thinking of switching to web backup then it's easy to do and there is no need to fear the switch. Online backup keeps your data encrypted and safe, away from your originals and the new services are both cheap and easy to use.
For information, advice and tips on online backup software and choosing a suitable product for you, check out the Web Backup Guide.
