I recommend using an online backup service if you are concerned about backing up more than just documents, pictures, music and videos that seldom change. This type of data can be easily burned onto DVD's and stored in a safety deposit box.
I used to rely on a Western Digital Passport to backup my data, but found that this approach has several drawbacks. First, backups do not always contain data that is up to date. Second, your data is not truly safe unless you keep the computer and backup device at separate locations. If the computer and backup device are at the same location, a fire, broken water pipe, theft or many other scenarios put your data at risk. After performing a lot of research, I ultimately opted to use an online backup service.
I selected an online storage company named Backblaze. Their service only costs $5 per month for unlimited storage and runs continuously. The client program has such a small footprint that I don't even notice it's running unless I check the system tray.
During the client program's 3-click installation, Backblaze scanned my computer and automatically determined which data to backup. The program then began to encrypt and send the selected data to their servers. If necessary, I can add other data & locations to the backup list via my account at the Backblaze site. In my 30+ years of computing I have never seen a piece of software that is so easy to install. The installation requires no configuration and you do not even have to provide a credit card during the 15-day trial period. After the initial backup, which takes 12 days on average, backups average 1-2 minutes per day. You can speed up the backup process by allocating more bandwidth, but why bother.
Other reputable online storage companies include Mozy and Carbonite. Some online storage companies offer 2GB of free storage for folks that don't have much data to backup. As for me, I have been impressed with Backblaze and intend to stick with them unless the quality of their service changes.
I used to rely on a Western Digital Passport to backup my data, but found that this approach has several drawbacks. First, backups do not always contain data that is up to date. Second, your data is not truly safe unless you keep the computer and backup device at separate locations. If the computer and backup device are at the same location, a fire, broken water pipe, theft or many other scenarios put your data at risk. After performing a lot of research, I ultimately opted to use an online backup service.
I selected an online storage company named Backblaze. Their service only costs $5 per month for unlimited storage and runs continuously. The client program has such a small footprint that I don't even notice it's running unless I check the system tray.
During the client program's 3-click installation, Backblaze scanned my computer and automatically determined which data to backup. The program then began to encrypt and send the selected data to their servers. If necessary, I can add other data & locations to the backup list via my account at the Backblaze site. In my 30+ years of computing I have never seen a piece of software that is so easy to install. The installation requires no configuration and you do not even have to provide a credit card during the 15-day trial period. After the initial backup, which takes 12 days on average, backups average 1-2 minutes per day. You can speed up the backup process by allocating more bandwidth, but why bother.
Other reputable online storage companies include Mozy and Carbonite. Some online storage companies offer 2GB of free storage for folks that don't have much data to backup. As for me, I have been impressed with Backblaze and intend to stick with them unless the quality of their service changes.
