What is an Online Backup Service?
April 30th, 2012Online backup is sometimes known as remote backup. It is a way of offsite data storage in which files, folders or even the entire contents of a hard drive are regularly backed up on to a remote server or a computer that has a network connection. This ensures that no important documents are lost.
Nowadays, there are a number of companies on the market that provide online backup services for subscribers whose computers are connected to the internet. The service works by automatically copying selected files to a backup storage area at the service provider’s location.
The benefits of online backup are clear. Getting into the habit of frequently or even continuously backing up data on a remote hard drive, eliminates the risk of losing important documents as a result of fire, theft, file corruption or any other disaster. Many of us have experienced the despair of losing our work in the past due to not backing up properly, and having experienced it do not wish to go through it again. Online backup is the perfect solution to a common problem. Online backup is a more efficient way of backing up your work than the traditional system of saving it to your hard drive, plus it means your work is doubly protected.
Online backup services use high-speed Internet connection and a Web browser interface for your convenience with the remote files and folders appearing as if they are stored on an external local hard drive. The whole process is protected with encryption and password protection to ensure that no-one else can access your important files.
The biggest problem with online backup services is the cost. It can be quite expensive to run in the home or for a small business computer user. In some cases it can be unaffordable if the idea is to totally back up on to a hard drive on a frequent basis. The only way to get around this costing problem is to back up only the most critical or often-changed files online and stick to the physical offsite back up methods for less important or infrequently changed files. However, if your company is relatively large or you have particularly valuable date that needs protecting, then an online backup service could be a very useful investment.
Online backup services are better than the traditional methods such as CDs or floppy disks as you can always have access to them, from literally any computer, anywhere. This means you can do all of your sending and receiving of your files through a web browser. You don’t need any special software or drivers, neither do you have to be a computer expert to use online backup.
Many of the online backup service on offer include some really useful features designed to make things easier for users. For example, with some services you can email anyone a copy of your files which is really useful in a work environment. Other features include the ability to protect your files with a password and share your files with anyone.
If you have important files that you really don’t want to lose, then why not try an online backup service and keep your files safe and secure at all times.
Author Bio: Jason Kay recommends you read reviews of online backup services to find the right one for your needs.