Online Backup Guide

Services Related to Backup

Back up services can be of two kinds: one which backs up the documents to the local computer or other removable media and other is the backup service which backs up data to the internet. Local backup services refer to the services in built in the computer. On the other hand, online backup services provide us with many options. Let’s see how these services work.

A prior requirement is that you need to have an internet connection to use these services. Then you should sign-up with your preferred Online Backup Service Provider. Example of a backup service provider is XDrive.com (http://www.Xdrive.com). Its backup plans begin at $10 per month for 5GB of storage. You receive backup software that you install on your computer. It creates a virtual directory on your computer. Whatever data you want to backup, you simply drag it to the virtual directory folder. Its software transfers the same to its online web servers. Most online backup services offer the feature of scheduled backups. So, it allows you to setup a daily backup schedule say for example an office worker can schedule a daily backup at 9 p.m.

Another important aspect of online backup service is the ability to share your online data with your friends and relatives. You send an e-mail to your friends with a link to your online file. Then your friends can download the data as and when required. You do not have to wait for them to download it directly from your computer. Also, you can publish it on the web so that it is visible to everyone.

The most important service provided by these companies is security. Your data is stored in 128- bit encrypted format. Even during transfer from your computer to the online service provider’s hard disk, the data is 128-bit encrypted. Then the data is stored in secure location where the architecture is multi tiered, locked down and secured by your own password.

The online backup service companies also enable you to access your data from any web browser. So you can store data in your online account and access it from any part of the world if internet access available to you. This service is very helpful on business and personal trips.

There are a number of services that provide an interesting array of features. For example, some services allow you to restore your computer in the event of a crash and others let you see the amount of data stored online in the form of a gauge. Of course, these additional services come with a cost and hence you should select the services that best suit your requirement.

You can also use the services of backup sites like www.streamload.com which provide 1GB of free data storage. However, there is a 300MB limit to the download of data. The user therefore needs to work out the various features that he wants and select accordingly.