Consumer Search: Online Backup Services: Reviews
TOP 3 Best Reviewed
* Best online backup service
* Best free online backup service
* Online backup with file syncing
* Online Backup Services Runners Up
What To Look For
Online backup services help protect against hard-drive failures and file corruption on your computer, and they can be less labor-intensive than burning backup discs. Online data storage providers allow users to keep important or bloated files (such as music and videos) on a secure remote server. Some backup services allow you to share files with others, or sync your files across multiple computers. Reviews warn that online backup is not a replacement for backups on an external hard drive, but keeping a remote backup can be good secondary protection.
Here's what experts say to consider when looking for an online backup service:
* You may not want to store highly sensitive information on a website. Many reviewers note that data kept on a remote server, as is the case with an online backup service, is more vulnerable to unauthorized access than data that's on your own computer. While highly unlikely, employees of the online backup service could be able to access your files.
* Check the system requirements. Most online backup services come with an application (called a client) that manages backups and file transfers, but not all clients are compatible with non-Windows operating systems.
* Look for online data backup with automated scheduling. The best online data-storage services have automatic schedules so you don't have to remember to back up. Whether you schedule backups to take place hourly or daily, you should have a choice of full control or an automated task.
* Consider your Internet connection. Initial backups of large files can take hours or days, even on a broadband connection, so it's best to perform large file backups at night. Keep in mind that subsequent backups are done incrementally, which goes much faster.
* Use other forms of backup. Online data storage saves time and space, but you should never put all your proverbial eggs in one basket. Most services do not promise that they can restore your data should a hardware, software or business problem occur. Consider alternatives such as CDs, DVDs, external hard drives and USB flash drives for primary storage.
Full Report
* Introduction
* Choosing a Service
* Basic Online Backup
* Full-Featured Backup
* Syncing Services
* Useful Links
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