I wrote about backup last week, I know. But already this year, I’ve seen at least a dozen computer users (many of them running businesses) who either don’t backup at all or have no clue how to backup their important data.
Adam mentioned that he will start using and testing the heavily advertised Carbonite online backup system and post a review soon. I started using Xdrive (an AOL company) again tonight to test how it works compared to when I used it a little 3 or so years ago. Xdrive provides 5 GB of storage for free. After I test Xdrive for awhile, I think I will try and review Mozy and Box.net next.
For those who have heard my plea for you to backup, I’m curious if you are interested in online backup or if you are currently using online backup? Leave a comment below and tell me what your thoughts are regarding online backup, or backup in general.
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I have used Carbonite for a couple of weeks, now. I decided to do this after a real scare when my USB backup drive crashed. Fortunately, Best Buy was able to retrieve the important files. I like Carbonite because it only costs 5 dollars a month and constantly monitors and updates to redundant password protected servers any files I designate. Carbonite works in the background and only activates when the system has been idle for 20 minutes or so. I encourage you to evaluate and recommend Carbonite.
I am still concerned about the safety and confidentiality of online back up. Currently, I have an additional hard drive in me cpu in which daily all of my email, files, pictures, etc. are backed up. This process is automatically completed using a program called Second Copy. I have set it to back up at times when I more than likely will not be using the computer.
In addition, I back up my financial data and pictures to a disk and memory stick on a regular basis and keep them in a safe.
I currently back up to a flash drive for data and DVDs for photos. However, keeping these backups in the same room as the computer could compromise them if there were a fire. A safe deposit box would be much more secure.
Online backups??? As commented above, safety and confidentiality are concerns. The advantage is having the backups off site. So for me the jury is still out for online backups. I look forward to your test results,
I have three separate backup processes going. I have a home network with 4 computers on it (two are from my wife’s business). I use Carbonite on my personal computer, backing up all my data files including all my photos. But I also use Cobain Backup (free and GREAT! ). The Cobian Backup backs up the files from my personal computer to my wife’s personal computer and vice versa every night. Also, the Cobian backup does an ftp backup to the internet of the Quicken files from my computer plus Quicken and business database backup from my wife’s business computers every night. Cobian encrypts these files so they are secure. Getting ftp space is pretty cheap through GoDaddy or HostMonster. I think I have 1 Terabyte of space available on GoDaddy and have not begun to make a dent in it.
I previously used SecondCopy as did my brother, but we became concerned when both of us had files that inexplicably disappeared. Besides, Cobian is free AND does ftp backup. Cobian might more appropriately be called a file copy program because it copies individual files instead of bundling them into one large file that needs to be broken apart for recovery. I feel safer with this method. I have always felt that bundling the files is like putting all the eggs in one basket — what if that file becomes corrupted? You then lose it all.
One thing I need to get a handle on is file redundancy. I have multiple copies of the same files (mostly photos) on a single computer. Does anyone have any good way to identify these redundant files and delete them without having to do it individually on thousands of files?
I backup on flash drives.I use two flashdrives and backup weekly or more often if I need to.
I backup up on alternate flashdrives so if one is lost or damaged I will have a second.
I dont backup email but do move important messages to the email file at my email station.
Listen up Xdrive Consumers….! XDMOlson is going to hook you all up with the easiest way to transfer your Xdrive digital assets to another provider.
I know there are a lot of other providers out there, check out my previous post about the Ultimate Review List of Best Free Online Storage and Backup Application Services…
http://tomuse.com/ultimate-review-list-of-best-free-online-storage-and-backup-application-services/
However XDMOlson is going to recommend selecting ElephantDrive for current Xdrive consumers. They have worked out an agreement with Xdrive to make transferring those digital assets over as easy as possible.
Xdrive to ElephantDrive Migration Page: http://www.elephantdrive.com/m/ct.aspx?ici=267
-XDMOlson
I have been using Carbonite for about 4 months now. It has really been great, as I have used it to find an old version of an unintentionally overwritten file. One drawback is that I have been backing up my IPOD movies (1GB each or so) and my external drive that I store them on died. The restore of 60 GB or so has taken nearly a week and it’s not done yet. It’s great for smaller files to restore and the backup is great. I would still recommend it.
Walter in Phoenix
Online backup is really best for only smaller files…pictures are fine, and even music files aren’t bad, but movie files are impractical to backup online at our current connections speeds…someday though! Thanks for your feedback on Carbonite and online backup.