Online Data Backup

Many of us have burned files to an optical disc (DVD or CD), or even copied files to an external hard drive. We may do it to keep a copy of our data somewhere, or simply to create a copy for someone we know.

With data backup, we go beyond simply making copies. We must know which files to copy, and also make sure they are stored in a safe and secure location. This may sound complex, but it isn't, especially with regards to online data backup.

Backing up data online has become more popular as the download and upload speeds we enjoy have increased in the last few years. When you backup your data online, you simply copy your files to a server somewhere on the internet. While this sounds unsafe and not very secure, you may want to read on where I talk about security.

Many providers that offer backup services try to make it as easy as possible for you. What I mean by this is that they have automated many of the tedious functions, such as determining the files to backup, so it becomes as effortless as possible to protect your files.

Let's look at reasons you may want to use an online data backup provider to keep all your files safe.

Probably the most talked about concern when talking about copying data online is that of security. Obviously, when you store your files on a machine that doesn't belong to you, and is accessible by many people, you want to know about the security.

The good news is that many online data backup providers take security very seriously. So serious, that even if someone were to access the files on their server, they wouldn't be able to read them. Why is that?

When you backup your data, many service providers, such as Mozy, encrypt each file on your local machine. This encryption is done before the file is even transferred to their server. The providers use 448-bit blowfish encryption to ensure that no one can easily read/view your files.

Once a file is encrypted it is then sent to the data backup provider's server over a secure 128-bit SSL connection. This is the same type of connection that is used to access your online banking web site or when you make a purchase online. So now you have an encrypted file being transferred over an encrypted connection.

When the file does reach the server, it usually remains encrypted until you request that the file be restored. Since it is encrypted when stored on the provider's server, it will hard for anyone to view the contents of the file.

As you can see, your data is very secure when using an online data backup provider. It will take a powerful computer a long time to break the encryption used to protect your data.

When you backup your data online, you can easily automate what files you backup and when they are copied. This is done by the application provided by your online data backup provider.

Most providers may ask you to install a small application. This application will then run when your operating system loads. It stays in the background until it is needed to backup your files.

The application supplied by providers will usually have enough intelligence where it can recommend which of your files to backup. It may automatically select your documents folder, your e-mail files, and other common important data you have stored on your computer. For flexibility, you can control which files and folders that you want to backup. This is useful if there are some files that the application doesn't know about, but you would like to back them up as well.

Once the application knows which files and folders to backup, it will occasionally scan them for changes or additions. If any changes or additions are detected, the application will automatically start a backup to copy over the files. After you specify the files and folders, you don't have to worry about remembering to backup as everything is done for you.

To prevent an application from running and using up CPU when you need it most, the application can wait until the computer is not in use before it starts a backup. This allows you to use your computer without any performance issues because of the backup.

With online backup you not only get the security but also the automation that removes much of the guess work and complexity with backing up your files.

When it comes to online data backup, the cost is one area that differs depending on the online backup provider. The good news is that there are many packages and pricing available to you, the bad news is that it can be difficult to pick one that meets your needs.

In order to help, you need to know what your needs are. Do you have a lot of data to backup, or just a few gigabytes. If you have a lot of data, then you may want to look into plans that offer unlimited space for a flat fee per month. For very little data, maybe a plan that charges per gigabyte may be more cost effective.

The plan that I currently use offers unlimited space for less than $5 a month. Both Mozy and Carbonite offer such plans. I also know that Mozy offers 2 GB of disk storage space for free, so if you don't have 2 GB of data, then you can store your data for free.

It is important, however, to shop around and review many of the online data backup provider's. Read the reviews and check their prices and packages. One of them will definitely have a package that will work for you.

Carbonite offers unlimited online backup for your small business for only $54.95/year. Try it free!

Unlimited Online Backup for only $4.95 a month