Review of Carbonite Online Backup

When it comes to the personal and business files that reside on your computer’s hard drive, there is little question that they need to be protected and this can be as easy as using an online backup company. Carbonite has been in the business of backing up both personal and business files since 2005 and has since become one of the leading names in the online backup industry.

Getting Started with Carbonite

Using Carbonite to back up all of the files on your computer is a simple, straightforward process. They offer a 15 day trial so you can test out the software before paying any money.  This trial comes with absolutely no strings attached and all you need to get started is your e-mail address and selecting a password.  While many other online backup companies will require a credit card to be on file for any type of free trial version, Carbonite requires none.

Once you have your e-mail and password and you accept the terms set forth by Carbonite, you then need to choose a nickname for your computer and designate what type of computer it is, such as desktop, laptop, or server. Then you can choose to have files backed up automatically or you can manually backup the files that you wish to start off with.

The initial backup can take some time, depending on the amount of files that you wish to have backed up. This means anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, but after that, all your files are backed up automatically while the program runs in the background. So, if you computer is on, files are being backed up.

After Carbonite has backed up your selected files they direct to a “What’s Next” page. This page is filled with all sorts of helpful tid-bits such as video tutorials that can help you get the most out of your Carbonite experience.

Once your 15-day trial is over, you can then opt to cancel the service and owe nothing or continue the service for only $59 for a complete year of unlimited online backup. The price is among the best in the industry, but it should be noted that the price only covers one computer. You can get additional computer coverage, but there will be an additional charge.

Tracking Files with Carbonite

Carbonite makes it easy to know what has and hasn’t been backed up file wise. They use a clear and simple coding system to let you know the status of all your files. If your files are backed up, Carbonite will let you know by marking your files and folders in Windows Explorer with a solid green dot. A solid orange dot is used to signify that a file is awaiting backup and a green dot with a white center means that there is a file that has some, not all, of the contents backed up.

Carbonite further makes tracking a breeze with their interactive ‘InfoCenter’ icon, which looks like a lock. Accessing this icon will tell you everything that is going on with your files. You can also do things like start a file restore, freeze or pause your backup, and even set your backup to a lower priority so that other applications can use your internet bandwidth first should it be limited. If that’s not easy enough for you, you can access the shadow drive that Carbonite sets up automatically within by using Windows Explorer.

Backing Up Files with Carbonite

Once you have completed your initial backup with Carbonite, it is easy to tell the system what to do going forward. You can use the ‘Set Options’ tab followed by the “Backup Schedule’ tab to conveniently convey your backup preferences. The first choice will be the one you will probably use as it is the automatic option and will allow you to go about your backup in a ‘hands-free’ approach as you will know that all files will be backed up as you work.

As your files are being backed up, you might expect for your machine to slow down drastically. However, most users find that Carbonite is hardly noticeable when backing up files.  Again, the total backup time depends on your files and their sizes, but a good estimate is about half an hour to process and backup around 150 MB of various files.

Security Level of Carbonite Backup

Carbonite uses the exact same method as many of the big banks when it comes to protecting your backed up files. They use a method known as double encryption which scrambles up all of your files and then scrambles them up again. So, the end result is something that can’t be read unless it is first descrambled, which can’t happen unless someone, other than you, has the e-mail address and password to your account.

In other words, this means that there is no way that your files can be used if accessed by an outside source. If a hacker where to steal your files from Carbonite, which is highly unlikely, they would be stealing useless files that would not be able to be used for anything.

Resorting Files with Carbonite

When you need to restore a file, or all of your files, using Carbonite, the process is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse. There are a couple of ways in which you can access your files for resorting and the preference ends up being a personal one since both work equally as well.

The first method you can use to restore files with Carbonite is by using the automatically created shadow drive in Windows Explorer. Here you can right-click and when the menu pops up, choose ‘Restore or Restore to.’ You can accomplish the same thing by accessing the InfoCenter icon. Once accessed, simply click on the let panel tab labeled ‘Restore.’

Once you are at this point with either method, you can then choose to conduct a full restore of you can pick and choose the files that you want to have restored. If you only want a handful of files to be restored, then you can choose to search for a specific file folder or individual file and once located, you can choose to have it, or them, restored. You can search in a number of different ways, including last modified date, file size, and even file date, which makes it very simple to locate specific files that you may need to immediately restore.

Once you are in the process of resorting your file, or files, Carbonite clearly keeps you apprised to what is going on. You will be presented with everything from progress, to time remaining, and even the opportunity to cancel the restore.

When your restore is complete, you will still have the opportunity to make sure it is what you want and once you do, you have to hit the ‘Verify’ tab. You will have the option of viewing the file, or files, that were restored and you can even print off a list if you desire to do so. The printed list is nice to have, as it will show you all the new locations of the files and file folders which were just restored.

If you do need to conduct a backup because of your computer crashing or being inaccessible due to any other type of loss, you will have to of course have a new computer and an internet connection. You will then have to download the Carbonite program onto your new computer so that you can access your account and use InfoCenter to help you facilitate your file restoration.

Help with Carbonite

Carbonite seems to be set up to be user friendly however, if you do run into trouble, you can call for additional guidance. Carbonite has a dedicated team of customer support staff members who can be accessed via a toll free phone number Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm EST and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 4 pm EST.

If you need help outside of those hours, you can reach a customer support staff member via live chat on a 24/7 basis. Additionally, you can always try accessing one of their helpful video tutorials to get you through a rough patch.

Carbonite for Peace of Mind

There are several scenarios in which you could lose the personal and business files that reside on your computer’s hard drive. While a hard drive crash is the most likely problem you would encounter, you can’t rule out the unknown such as fire, flood, electrical surge, or even theft. When you use an online backup service like Carbonite, you are ensuring yourself total peace of mind as you will be able to work without ever having to fear that you may lose your files for good at any given point.

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Carbonite Reviews

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SafeCopy Backup provides an online data backup solution that brings a unique approach to the entire process.  While the fundamentals seem relatively similar to other popular data backup solutions, the pricing model sets it apart.  With so many different online backup solutions available, it can be difficult deciding which one is right for you.  This review of SafeCopy Backup will show you exactly what they offer as well as the important features to keep in mind.

The pricing model that SafeCopy Backup uses is definitely what first sets it apart.  Most of the other popular companies charge per computer, whereas SafeCopy Backup charges based upon space.  They offer a free account (no credit card needed) that will hold up to 3GB of data.  While this isn’t going to be enough to backup your entire computer, it is a great way to test out what they have to offer.  They also offer a 200GB ($50.00) and 300GB ($70.00) plan which is paid on a yearly basis.  Here is a closer look at what to expect from SafeCopy Backup.

Benefits

1.    Multiple Computers
The biggest benefit of using SafeCopy Backup is that you can backup all of your computers will a single account.  Additionally, because your account is based upon the space that you use, you can also backup USB drives, network drives, flash drives, and much more.  This added versatility proves to be especially beneficial to families, small businesses, and people who have multiple computer systems or networks.

2.    Speed
Compared to many of the other popular options, SafeCopy Backup offers some of the fastest backups on the market.  This is especially important for your first backup because it can take a long time depending on how much bandwidth you are allowed to use.  Plus, installing and setting up the software doesn’t take more than a few clicks.

3.    Access and Sharing
Another huge benefit is that you can access your account from your computer, mobile phone, and much more.  To make browsing easier, you can look through thumbnails of your files to find the right ones.  This is especially important if your backing up a lot of photos or graphics.

Drawbacks

1.    Restoring
It doesn’t matter how great a backup service is if you can’t restore files when you need them.  The issue with SafeCopy Backup isn’t that they don’t allow you to restore your files, it is just that the software is a little more complicated than some others on the market.  Plus, navigating through your folders can sometimes be a little slow.

Overall, SafeCopy Backup offers a data backup solution that is among the best in the business.  With the added edge that the unique pricing model offers, it is no surprise that more people are giving them a try.  They offer a number of benefits including using a single account for multiple devices, fast file transfer speeds, and simple access and sharing.  Remember, if you aren’t sure about whether or not this is the right service for your needs, you can always do your own review of SafeCopy Backup by setting a 3GB free account to give a test drive.

BackBlaze made a huge splash when it entered the online backup market.  It brought a unique perspective to the service that it provides while still holding strong to the core needs of every user such as security and dependability.  With so many different online backup services that have come and gone, BackBlaze seems to have everything that it needs to stay around for a long time.  This review of BackBlaze should give you a much better idea of what to expect and help you decide whether or not it will be the best fit for your needs.

Overview of BackBlaze

BackBlaze offers a single pricing structure which is $5 per month (per computer) or $50 per year.  This simplistic pricing falls in line well with the focus on helping out the average person.  Overall this service is designed for people who are either nervous about the technical side of backing up their computer or those who don’t want to spend the time dealing with all of the work needed to ensure that all of the pertinent files are backed up.

Benefits

•    Easy to Use
If there is one thing that stands out, BackBlaze is super-simple to use.  The philosophy is simple – backup everything.  This is particularly useful for people who don’t know what files should be backed up.  As a default, BackBlaze will be continuously backing up files so you don’t have to set anything up, however you can also schedule backups if you prefer.  As long as you are connected to the internet, your files are constantly being updated.

•    Efficiency
BackBlaze uses a unique FSCAN Engine that is designed to efficiently backup your files without slowing down your computer.  The average connection will backup between 2 and 4 GB of data per day.  There is also a throttle option so that you can use more or less of your internet connection as well.  Additionally, BackBlaze with de-duplicate, compress, and incrementally backup all of your files to ensure maximum efficiency.  This is particularly useful for computers that have multiple users storing duplicate data.

Drawbacks

•    Networked Drives
With the sole focus on simplicity and efficiency, there are some features which are not offered.  One of the most notable of these is the lack of support for networked drives.  While this isn’t something that will affect the average person, it is something to keep in mind if you are looking for a solution that would require this function.

•    Too Simple
While this isn’t inherently a drawback, if you have advanced technical knowledge about backing up your computer then BackBlaze might be a little too simplistic for you.  Most people will benefit from the lack of options, however others want a little more control.

Overall, BackBlaze offers a high quality service at a very low monthly rate.  While some people may find it to be a little too simple, the average person can benefit from the simple setup and automatic execution of the continuous backup.  Plus, knowing that your entire computer is backed up online can provide a huge sense of security.

Egnyte features a combination of services that is designed to not only make using it easier, but also to allow people save money and time. It is designed to allow online storage, fast local access, file sharing, and backup abilities with a centralized administration It even allows mobile access. There are a variety of features that need to be considered when looking at Egnyte because it is designed to allow business owner to so much in one framework. Here is a quick look at the pricing options as well as the different features that Egnyte provides.

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Most people consider SugarSync to be an online backup solution.  While it can definitely serve this purpose, it also offers a number of additional services as well.  For some people, the ability to do all these things as well as take advantage of the simplistic layout and software is well worth the cost.  With so many different options on the market it can be difficult to decide which service is right for you.  Here is a quick SugarSync review to help get a better understanding what is offered and how it could benefit you.

Prices

SugarSync offers a number of different packages.  Unlike many other online backup and syncing services, the price is based upon the amount of data you need to store rather than the features that you use.  There is a free account which can store 5 GB.  While this isn’t a lot, it is a great way to test out what SugarSync has to offer.  In fact, you don’t even need to supply your credit card to sign up and you can use it forever without upgrading.  The rest of the packages (per month) are: 30 GB/$4.99, 60 GB/$9.99, 100 GB/$14.99, 250 GB/$24.99, and 500 GB/$39.99.

Features

•    Access
SugarSync not only allows you to integrate your computer with the software, but will also allow you sync your smart phone.  This means that you can access your files from anywhere at any time.

•    Multiple Computers
Many online backup services will limit the number of computers that are allowed on each plan.  SugarSync allows you to add as many devices as you want (both computers and smart phones) as long as you do not exceed you data amount limit.

•    File Sharing
Online with online file backup and easy syncing, you can also send files of any size to anyone, from any device.  SugarSync will even save your file versions to ensure that correct data is going to the right person.

•    Multiple Platforms
SugarSync can be accessed and used from nearly every operating system including Mac and Windows.  The only current exception is Linux.  It is even compatible with Mac Snow Leopard, Platform API, and Mobile API.  The mobile compatibility includes: iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Android, Symbian, and many others.

Potential Drawbacks

There are two potential drawbacks to using SugarSync depending on what your needs are.  The first is that it is not compatible with the Linux operating system.  This could prove important if you are backing up a server.  The other potential drawback is if you are trying to backup a very large amount of data.  While most people will never exceed 500 GB of data, companies and webmasters definitely could.  However, this is the trade-off that stems from allowing anyone to backup as many computers as they want as long as they are under the data size limit.

SugarSync Review

As you can see, there are a number of benefits to using the SugarSync service.  Most notably, the interface is extremely simple to use.  Plus, all of the functionality is built in.  It doesn’t matter which package you choose to order, you will get the same features as everyone else.  While a few potential drawbacks do exist, the large number of integrated features and potential benefits will end up outweighing them for most people.

Instantcomputerbackup.com is an online backup service that gives 10 main reasons (on their web site) that they should be chosen as a backup provider. The first reason that they provide is 100% automated backups. The software will recognize when there has been a change made to your files, and will automatically back them up. The second reason is an encryption system that ensures that no one but the user will have access to any uploaded files. This is a really important feature in any backup system. The third reason Instant Computer Backup states is the option of unlimited data storage, which is understandably important for anyone who has a great deal of files to store.

Other Advantages

*Low Price: Instant Computer Backup Home costs only $4.95 a month, and the Unlimited edition costs only $9.95/month. The Home Plan offers 10GB of space.
*Notification of failed backups: Should a failed backup occur, the user will be able to see a red x and run the files through again
*The ability to back up mapped USB/external drives
*Unlimited bandwidth: Your files upload based on the capacity of your compouter
*Credit cards are secure: ICB only stores the last 4 digits of credit cards
*24/7 Live Tech Support: This is an especially nice feature that ensures customers will have constant help should their files not upload properly or if there is a question regarding the service that hasn’t been previously addressed in FAQs
*Ease of Use: ICB is easy for anyone to use regardless of skill. They provide video tutorials, as well as a setup wizard to help customers along the way
*Access files from Anywhere: You can be on any computer and have access to your files
*Compatibility: This program will work with PCs AND Macs (It supports Windows 7, 2000, XP, Vista and Mac OSX 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6)
*Easy file restoration

Disadvantages

There are not enough reviews of this service around to determine the true quality and validity of Instant Computer Backup’s service, but it will be interesting to see what unbiased customer reviews spring up and what they have to say. Also, the free 14 day trial version DOES have limited bandwidth for file uploading. It would be nice to see ICB’s claim of unlimited bandwidth in action without having to purchase the full product.

Instant Computer Backup in Review

Intstant Computer Backup seems like a great means of backing up data. It’s low, affordable price is ideal for anyone who wishes to have a good backup system. Unfortunately, reliability can’t be properly judged as there haven’t been enough evaluations of the product, but it appears to be a great product for the price. 10GB isn’t that much space, so it would probably be wise to purchase the Unlimited edition if you have a lot of music files or big data files that require backing up.

SOS online backup is much like any other online backup service is that you can protect your files from being lost forever should something happen to your computer, but SOS online backup goes about their process a bit differently. With many online backup services you only have the ability to backup one computer per account, but with SOS you can backup up to five computers on the same account for personal and even more for business accounts.

SOS allows you the freedom to be able to access your files no matter where you may be in the world so long as you have a computer and an internet connection. This is allowed because your files are all stored on SOS’s cloud network.

You can also share as many files as you like with whoever you like when you use SOS online backup. All you need is an e-mail address and you are then able to share even the largest of files that may otherwise be bounced back if you tried to e-mail them in the traditional sense.

SOS Backup also has an interface that seems to be very user friendly. With SoSimple backup, you can easily tell SOS what types of files need to be automatically backed up. This allows you to select the types of files you want backed up, such as Word docs, photos, and the like, as well as designate specific files to be backed up. You can also view one of the many video tutorials that they offer and see for yourself just how easy their system is to implement.

While SOS does allow you to share one account with up to five computers, it should be noted that the amount of backup you are able to carry out is capped at 50GB. Still, that is a lot of files that can be backed up for a low price, which starts out at only $9.95 per month.

Another unique feature that SOS offers is the ability to access your files with certain mobile handheld devices. If you have a Blackberry or an iPhone you can use the SOS App to access your files no matter where you are. This handy feature allows you complete mobility without having to bring your laptop with you everywhere you go.

SOS allows you to try out their services before you commit to buying them. You can take advantage of a 14-day free trail that will give you full access to SOS online backup services. Once you test out the system for a couple of weeks, you can then decide if you want keep it and start paying for it.

Probably the best feature about SOS online backup is the fact that they have a toll free number you can call should you encounter problems anywhere along the way. They also offer e-mail support, but you will then have to wait just a bit to get the answers you are seeking. However you go about it, it is comforting to know that help appears to be readily available.
SOS Backup User Reviews

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