Online Backup: The Pros And Cons
It may not seem like it is worth the time and effort to backup your personal computer's data. But like home owner's insurance, that tune will change after the data loss disaster strikes. It wasn't that long ago that options for backing up PC data were limited to external physical media like tape drives, CD, DVD, external hard drives and zip drives.
If you're in the market for a backup solution, consider more modern broadband internet connections and affordable hard drive space to meet your online backup needs. Many online backup services offer plenty of additional space including disaster recovery. The advantage of these services is that the user doesn't need to purchase additional external storage, but rather continue paying for the service on an ongoing basis just like an internet service provider.
Performing a typical backup program can be quite a strain on one's computer compared to using the software client's footprint. However, the speed of the latter method is limited to bandwidth and a large backup can become very time intensive. Traditional methods using external physical media are faster, but can be halted if the Internet connection is lost.
Many of the services offered allow free trials; fees are approximately five dollars per month for a normal subscription, all the way up to hundreds of dollars per year for enterprise subscriptions. At the moment, storage space availability starts at one gigabyte on up to unlimited space. Compared to external media, the user has the option of purchasing much more storage space as they need it.
There are specific services tailored for the operating system that you are using, whether it is Windows or Mac. Depending on your operating system, choosing the service that is developed to work best with it will make the data recovery process go more smoothly. Data storage systems available on the internet often include extra features, like photo management software, photo and file sharing capabilities and secure data uploading and downloading.
Internal hard drives have an inherent failure rate, and there are many ways a hard drive can be compromised, or the data it contains stolen along with the computer. So no matter the service one chooses, having a functional and regular data backup routine in place is critical in the event of such an emergency.
The typical process of backing up computer data is almost like a form of insurance. It may seem too mundane, but when the disaster strikes, it may be too late. Many years ago, computer data backup software utilities and solutions included forms of external physical media running on the computer itself. Today you can use more modern broadband internet connections and affordable hard drive space to meet your Online backup needs. Many online services offer plenty of additional space including disaster recovery. The advantage of these services is that you don't need to purchase additional external storage, but rather continue paying for the service on an ongoing basis.
Published July 1st, 2008
Filed in Business, Technology
