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The Online Backup Solution
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THE ONLINE BACKUP SOLUTION

Use a secure offsite online data backup service
to protect your most essential files
copyright 2006 by Tracy Marks

WHAT IS ONLINE DATA BACKUP?

An online data backup service is a web-based backup for automatically compressing, encrypting and backing up your most essential files on an immediate or daily basis.


WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE OFFSITE BACKUP?

With an offsite backup service, you have your files stored in a different location, and easily accessible - a lifesaver if not only your computer but also your home or business archived files are destroyed due to an unexpected catastrophe.

The online backup solution offered by many offsite backup services provides much more security than most home and business computers. A primary advantage is that you can schedule your backup to occur automatically rather than feel burdened by its continual reappearance as a frequently neglected item on your to-do list.

The remote backup software provided is usually easy to use and allows for fast data recovery.



WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE BACKUP?

Data backup can be slow, especially if you have dialup connection. Even with broadband, some online backup companies use so much bandwidth that you may not be able to surf the Web while backing up.


Online backups are not viable for backing up programs, and are too slow for frequent backups of your entire hard drive. 


HOW DOES ONLINE DATA BACKUP WORK?

The online backup company you choose will provide remote backup software and instruct you in regard to its use. You will first back up all your essential files, and then choose which data to backup on a continuous basis. At any time, you can view and restore files, You can select the times for backup to occur, and arrange for it to happen automatically.



WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING
A COMPANY FOR ONLINE BACKUPS?

Essential Considerations
1. Do they have 128 bit (military level) encryption for your data?

2. How secure is the storage location?

3. Is their software easy to use?

4. Can you schedule automatic incremental backups?

5. How fast is the backup process? Can you use your computer and browse the Web when backing up?

6. How much backup storage do you need, and what do they charge for the capacity you need?

7. What is the cost of increasing your storage?

8. Do they notify you when you exceed your storage capacity, and how much do they charge when you do?

9. Will backups automatically resume if you lose your internet connection?


Optional Considerations
1. Do they have a free trial so you can check out the remote backup software before paying for it (and do you have to notify them not to automatically charge your credit card when it ends?)

2. Do they have both a monthly and discounted yearly pricing plan?

3. Do they include virus checking?

4. Do they only allow one initial full backup?

5. Do they allow file sharing with persons who do not have an account with their company?



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copyright 2006 by Tracy Marks    Windweaver     Arlington, Massachusetts  (781) 641-3371
http://www.windweaver.com/index.htm         Tracy Marks
Please visit our sister site, Webwinds.

Since  February 17, 1997,  you are visitor  
Last update  November 22, 2006






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