Online data backup

[JenniP]

Kind of the reverse of most of the threads here, but just thought I would recommend an Online backup service.

Its called Mozy and it gives you 2GB of free backup space.

All you need to do is signup using the link above, download and install the client, and pick what files you want backed up.

If you need more than 2GB of space then you can buy unlimited space for $4.95 (around £2.50) a month.

I used it to backup all my documents I also use the commerical version on my servers to keep my websites and databases backed up.

Jen

[scorpiox]

BT's digital vault is also awesome, and its really reliable. I use it to backup most of my "Really Really important" work, which is lower than the 2gb provided

[Smash]

I'm sure it's reliable, but the price is definitely for the mass market.

For the price they charge you could get a hosting account with loads more storage, bandwidth and also the ability to host sites and stuff.

I guess though the BT option is much more simpler.

Do you have to use an FTP client with it, or is it (whilst still maybe FTP) a point and click type interface?

[niki]

There are also some free providers like
www.estoragepro.com
which provide the same service.

[hazephase]

Wow guy thanks for the tip , I can use the space that they are giving for free in this way I dont need to have a hard disk . Do you think that one day we will not need a hard dick on our comps ?

[JenniP]

To a certain extent its already happening, you can keep your email/calendar's online with Hotmail/GMail and the like, you can keep documents online using Google Applications.

All you need is a way to access it, I quite often use my Nokia 770 for surfing that doesnt have a hard drive.

Its kind of like the "Thin" client computers that were all the rage 4-5 years ago, everything was run from a central place all you needed was a little box which didnt have to have a hard drive (Although normally did as it was cheaper to make a cut down PC than a special unit).

Jen

[James]

Online storage is something that I will have to look in to in the near future. My worry is (1) the ease in which they could be hacked and (2) the speed in which they can be downloaded.

Also do the backups have backups?

Until then I will have to use the trusty flash drive.

[vtabletop]

Normally,I too use my flashdrive for backing up the data ,but when I have to format my computer or reinstall windows , I backup the important files by uploading them.You can never be too sure about the site being hacked.I just don't upload sensitive and personal information on the storage sites to avoid getting nightmares.

[JenniP]

Well your backups being hacked (for Mozy at least) would be difficult as you can choose your own encryption key. 448bit Blowfish isnt crackable by anything other than brute force yet so you should be safe for a bit.

Getting your data back is pretty easy just select the files in their web based restore manager then downloading them as fast as your broadband allows.

I dont think the backup the backups as that would take a hell of a lot of disk space, but according to their FAQ its stored in a way that is still safe even with multiple hardware failures.

Jen

[JenniP]

There are also some free providers like
www.estoragepro.com
which provide the same service.

Hmmm I get the feeling they arent exactly reliable as their website never actually seems to work. Although looking at Google its more a bit of webspace than a proper backup solution.

Jen