Apart from the various hardware capabilities which can be accessed as a backup solution, there are also many software programs and internet solutions that claim to provide competent backup solutions. It is just a matter of finding the right software to fit user’s needs for a backup system. These solutions are easily found on any search engine, with thousands of options appearing, ranging from automated backup solution to online storage. To find a more reliable storage method is to find a review page which clearly tells of the pros and cons of software based storage. Review pages make it easier to discover The online storage solution is a common result when searching for alternate backup options, and also prominent results in reviews and searches for backup solutions.Many of these companies charge large fees to store data with some of the companies, something which can be out of reach for many users. A company such as SOS Online Backup charging around $75 per year for 1 GB of storage can be seen as extreme considering the amount an external hard drive or DVD cost. This is a major factor when deciding upon a backup plan. The ability that these companies can offer up to hundreds of gigabytes of storage space is a great option for storing huge amounts of data securely offsite. “It is usually NOT a good idea to keep your backup file copies in the same location as your regular files. This is important because the cause of damage to your files could be environmental (heat, smoke, water, etc.) and would be as likely to damage your backups as your originals.[1]” While it is possible to store backup disks of site, it may not be 100% feasible for all users. This is where a solution such as an online storage facility can be useful.
With cost a major factor in deciding upon which way to go with backup solutions a program such as Mozy Remote Backup is effective. Mozy is both free as well as being automated software to backup workMozy enables its users to have access to 2 GB worth of online storage space for free and it is possible to increase it up to 3 GB when the user refers other users to the product. It is also possible to purchase up to 20 GB of room for around $USD40 a year, which is much cheaper alternative to the other products available.It works by transmitting data of your backed up data in an encrypted way using either their own 448-bit key or one that you supply yourself. It also claims that if you lose your private key nobody can recover the files, meaning a very high level of security to secure backups. Mozy is fully customizable so that the user can make the program work automatically, by default this is when the CPU is less than 60% in use and idle for 30 min. Alternatively it can also be set to run at a selected time, preferably at a time when you know that the computer will not be in use, such as when you are in bed. This option enables users to feel relaxed about the state of their work and backups since it can work at any time.
“When you backup your files through the internet, you never have to bother with finding a disk which holds your data on it again. Your data is always right there on the internet, ready to be accessed whenever you desire. You can access your data from any computer in the world with an internet connection.[2]” This can be very appealing to users; it saves the hassle of needing to manually backup the files onto separate CD’s and DVD’s. Online storage also saves money on the costs of having to purchase CD’s for each project and also each backup.
“Traditionally backup involved the use of physical media such as floppy disks, CD-Rs or ZIP disks. It is now possible to backup your data through the internet without ever having to touch a disk.[3]”
Disadvantages of using this program is the small amount of spam which they send to the users email account, which can be easily blocked or diverted on many email accounts. A factor which will not hinder any of the users work or backups, or any other part of the computer system. There is also the limited amount of data transfers per month, which can be discouraging to users who are continually using and altering files on the computer. There is also the problem of speed of transferring data from computer to online storage. A large file to transfer from system to online storage will take much longer than what it would by using a more traditional method of burning or copying data onto a more common medium such as a CD or DVD.
[1] The Pennsylvania State University, 2001, Play it Safe — Back Up Your Files, last viewed 6th November 2006. <http://css.psu.edu/news/nlfa01/playitsafe.html>
[2] Walter Stevens , Backup Your Files on the Internet, last viewed 6th November 2006. <http://free-backup.info/backup-your-files-on-the-internet.html>
[3] Walter Stevens , Backup Your Files on the Internet, last viewed 6th November 2006. <http://free-backup.info/backup-your-files-on-the-internet.html>
