If you’re looking for the best Online Backup Company, this guide is designed to help you easily find the key elements of an online backup company.

Here is what to look for:

• Fast, Secure Severs
• Easy yet Functional Software
• Excellent Customer Support
• Helpful Staff
• Fast Data Restore Time

This article is where we have put together a robust glossary of terms and definitions. In order to help you figure out what you’re looking for.

General Online Backup Terms:

• Bandwidth – This is a measurement of how much data is transferred in a given amount of time. Useful to know when calculating backup times. The higher the bandwidth the faster a file can travel from one storage area to another. Example: 2MB/s is good ( 2 megabits/second). Space/Storage Size – One of the key factors in online backup. It is the measurement of space that a user can take up on a server. Measurement in the Online Backup industry is primarily in Gigabytes (GB). A large storage for online backup are more than 250 GBs while free storage will be less than 5 GBs.
• Encryption – Data should always be encrypted for protection. The standard for encryption is at least 256 bits. Some backup companies should give you the option to use your own encryption key and it should never be sent to the server. Network backup – This feature allows for online backups of multiple computers, servers or Network Attached Storage appliances on a local area network from a single computer.
• Continuous backup – Continuous Data Protection CDP – A feature that lets the server backup anytime or in a predefined schedule. It’s better to run a continuous backup if it will not tie up system resources or if there is not anything slowing down the procedure from the computer being used. Otherwise, the predefined schedule helps to organize the timing so that less system resources have to be used at once. Example: letting the computer backup over nights or on the weekends. This will only take long depending on how much data needs to be backed up.
• File-by-File Restore – This feature allows the user to grab individual files at a time. Access to the storage area is available so the user can search for the file they need. There is no need to go through the provider to get the files. Online access to files – This is a service in which the user can restore their files from signing into the service by a browser from any computer. A convenience feature that drives up cost.
• Data compression – This means that data is compressed using a lossless compression algorithm to save bandwidth and storage space. Differential data compression – A feature that backup companies use to minimize transfer bandwidth by only transferring the binary bits of information that have changed with a file. In other words, once the file has transferred to the servers, it will only send new information to the servers. Instead of resending the whole file.
• Bandwidth Throttle – A selectable option for users. It can be set to lower or higher your bandwidth usage when backing up data to the servers.
• Support – Support is a less technical term but is useful for help when understanding technical terms. This means the online backup company has help staff or knowledgebase ready to help users with their technical issues.
• Security – Is a measure taken in preventing damage, loss or theft of your online data. Online backup security means solid system design and encryption to ensure the data remains safe.

Advanced Online Backup Terms:

• Server Backup – Businesses often require backups of their servers along with the databases that are on them. This includes MS Exchange, SQL Server, Active Directory, System State, and open files.
• Multiple Versioning – A service that runs with all your files. It backs up the files then saves any new version of that file onto the server as well. This gives users multiple versions of the same file from different points of it’s existence. Centralized Management Console – Allows a single user or group of users oversee or manage the how all users store their data.
• Fully Managed Services – Instead of a technical support you can get help from this is a full managing service dedicated to your files. More like hired staff.
• Redundancy – Redundancy is having duplicate files. One is on a server and one is on another server or on a local storage device. Example: a user may have a computer with an external hard drive for backup, and that is all backed up onto the server. Geo-Redundant storage means your files are backed up in two or more physical locations outside of your own computer. This greatly reduces the chance of losing data by spreading to locations not effected by the same physical and environmental risks.
• Seed Loading – A company lets you send in an external storage device with USB connectivity to backup your data instead of sending data over the internet.
• Bulk Restore – Like seed loading, its how a user can retrieve massive amounts of information via USB drive in order to save time with lots of files.

You probably keep hearing about this ‘Cloud’. What is it?

Cloud computing is a term that refers to data begin stored online so that it can be accessed from any device that is connected. This may answer your questions enough to understand why people like using it. Otherwise read along to see our reasons.

1. Security

You can easily make sure a file is safe by copying it to the cloud. Since it’s stored off location, it isn’t connected to any problems your computer might have.

2. Accessibility

It’s really easy to get data that is on the cloud. That’s because many services have ways for you to get files from any connected devices. Also they provide website access to your files.

3. Easy to share

Not only can you connect multiple devices but it’s usually very easy to share with other people. Most cloud syncing providers make it easy to set up an account and share with your friends via email or public link.

4. Version history

Most, if not all, cloud storage companies have a way to view previous versions of files that you save to the cloud. That means while you have 10+ iterations of a work document, you can find the one with the correct information in it from an older version.

5. Scheduled backup

Backing up manually takes a while. Most cloud backup can be done automatically or with a scheduled option. This makes backing up much easier for everyone.

Other reasons

If you were wondering if you should use a backup storage company, you should. It makes sense. Right now there is a ton of competition in the industry and they come out with new features all the time. We definitely recommend finding a company. Before you do, make sure to read our reviews.

More Reading

• What should you backup?
• Working collaboratively with cloud storage

Is free online backup really worth it? This guide breaks down whether or not free online backup services are worth while.

Free Online Backup has it’s good and bad characteristics. The bad being that you can not rely on them to store many important files. The good being that they can hold files you are going to need immediately and can get them from anywhere.

Pros:

• Free
• Convenient for very small files
• Works great as a multi-device, file-syncing utility
• Some offer easy sharing

Cons:

• Online storage limitation
• Only allow one user account
• Limited technical support
• Not adequate for most space requirements

How Much is One Gigabyte?

• 8,000 Word documents
• 300 Pictures
• 170 Songs
• 17 Videos

Free Online Backup Services:

• iDrive- 5GB Free
  • Offers the most free storage. Available but limited mobile access.
• Mozy- 2GB Free
  • Easy to use desktop software. No mobile access
• Dropbox- 2GB Free
  • Very easy to use. All under one folder structure. Great Mobile Access.
• SugarSync- 2GB Free
  • Easy to use. Select files and folders for synchronization. Mobile access.

Visit the Top Free Picks Page

Why would an online backup company want to limit your file upload? Especially if they are an “Unlimited” storage company. What’s the difference in one large file and a bunch of small ones?

Why Is There A File Size Limit?

Some companies want to keep their bandwidth as fast as possible. This means keeping users’ backups small and incremental. This increase the speed at which all users can back up to the servers at the same time. If one user has a 10GB file and everyone else has a bunch of 2MB files, it’s quicker to upload the small ones. In theory this helps out everyone because it speeds up everyone’s connection.

Usually companies have these restrictions for the users that really hog the servers. Although, customers that are purchasing unlimited backup are wondering, “Why did I buy unlimited backup if I can’t upload files of any size?”.

The answer is, you can backup unlimited small files but companies have realized server space gets taken up really quick by a select few with really large files and the average person with smaller files gets poor server response as a result of sharing the same server storage space.

Right or wrong?

It is neither right nor wrong. We look at it as, is the company being upfront and honest, then that’s all you can ask.

Yes, you get unlimited storage, but no, you do not get to upload files over 4GB for example.

The companies that hide that information inside of their knowledgebase or on a forum post is not being very straight forward. It’s suggested to ask a salesperson either on chat or on the phone and they should be upfront with you.

Companies & file size limits:

• MyPC Backup – 5GB’s
  
• Carbonite – 4GB’s
  
• Mozy – 4GB’s
  
• BackBlaze – 9GB’s

So you have an iPhone, an iPad, an iMac and never seem to have the file you need available. Well this guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to keep your File in sync for your Mac and other Apple Devices.

The Best Ways To Stay Synchronized

• Online File Syncing (Sometimes called cloud file syncing) is our favorite way to stay organized. It’s a form of online backup that has become very popular in the past few years, especially on the Mac.
• Local Syncing is necessary even if you are backed up online, but the syncing you do will have to be over a network or require a more complicated set up to run as smooth as cloud syncing.

Top Online Mac File Syncing Companies

1. SugarSync All Plans And Pricing Read Review
2. DropBox All Plans And Pricing Read Review
3. Box.net All Plans And Pricing Read Review

Why Online File Syncing Works:

• Keeps all connected devices up to date
• Protects data as well as storing it
• Archives of your file versions (like a timeline)

Cloud storage is good because your data is securely strung across a network of connected servers. These servers are all managed by services that keep your data safe with encryption. By keeping your files within one of these services, you will be able to keep all of your connected Mac devices up to date. Read our article about Cloud Storage.

Having your data in multiple physical locations decreases the likelihood of loss or damage to your files significantly.

Most of the service providers’ software keep versions of your files in archives. This is done locally on Macs with applications like Time Machine. This can be good, but you run the risk of your Mac and your Time Machine breaking at the same time. This happens a lot with power surges, over heating and other environmental scenarios. Read about “Versioning” in our Online Backup Terms and Definitions.

There are free services and paid services, but it really comes down to how much data do you need to keep in sync.

Local Mac File Syncing

Just want to keep certain files on your mac synced with another drive connected to your computer? There is an app for that.

Mac File Syncing Applications:

• FileSync (Free)
• File Synchronization
• GoodSync

These Apps Will Synchronize:

• Networked Macs
• External Hard Drives
• USB Flash Drives
• Mounted Drives

There is a downside to Local Mac File Syncing. Which is that you can’t get the information delivered to your iPhone or iPad. Also, these applications do not keep backups, duplicates or archives of your files.

We hope you found this article helpful. Contact us to let us know of any improvements we can make.

Selecting the best Online Backup Company can be tricky. It’s new, unfamiliar to most, and yet, very necessary in today’s digital era. This guide is designed to help answer the questions you have before picking an online backup company.

1. Monthly Backup Budget?

For most this going to be the deciding factor, but other features of Online Backup are affected by the price. Such as number of users per account or the number of computers per account. First decide your budget then we can move on from there.

• Up to $10/month: (Home Use Top Picks Page link) This is the most averaged plan. Different companies have varying features that lessen or increase the price. You are not going to find big business support with lots of storage,users or computers per account.
• $10 to $30/month: (Small Business Use Page link) This plan is for those who need a little bit more space to work comfortably. It provides a solid working backup solution with decent storage. Adding new users and computers is invited but not always included.
• $30 to $250/month: (Enterprise Use Page link) You will get the maximum coverage available. Great security, number of computers, number of users, and lots of space. Not cheap.
• $250+/month: (Lots of media files page link) These plans are usually contracted per company. This implies that it will be a lot more expensive. Designed for large file sizes and extra security needs.

2. Online Backup Resources Required?

While some larger companies will offer unlimited storage for a low price, this often comes with other restrictions. When companies have storage restrictions its usually pretty reasonable for most files.

When you’re looking at features pay attention to: Security, Space (Storage), Price, Ease of Use (included software), Help/Support, Remote Access, Time to Restore. If you or someone you know is currently using Online Backup, ask what features they like best.

If your main concern is to get an iPhone App to see your backed up files, you may be limiting yourself. While it’s a great feature, it maybe something you pay too much for.

3. Level of Tech Support Required?

Are you tech savvy? or do you need someone to talk you through the process? Many smaller companies prefer not to use Phone support because of the operation costs. Instead they turn to E-mail, chat, knowledge base, and forums. If your comfortable talking online with people to solve your problem then these options are fine.

If you are someone that needs the phone to talk to tech support, you may find it a little more difficult. Some companies offer phone support or a support payment plan.

4. Online Backup Company Size?

This is more of a personal choice. Are you looking for the stability of a gigantic company like Carbonite or Mozy? Or, are you looking for the personable?

There are also groups that get stuck in the middle. Dropbox is extremely popular with the iPhone app crowd. There is also Jungle Disk which is owned by a public hosting company called Rackspace.

Think back to question 3. Are you going to need help? Are little kinks going to slow you down? then stick with the medium to large companies.

6. Backup Physical Server Location?

Most companies are going to have secure servers with top notch server locations. If you are concerned about how a company stores their servers the most important factors will be:

• The type of equipment they use
• The staff that takes care of the servers
• The location and storage temperatures

7. Additional Tips

Use common sense:

There are plenty of things to consider while shopping for the best online backup. It’s good to have a well thought-out plan. Move on to our other guides for more advice and practical uses of Online Backup Companies.

Read more of our helpful articles:

• Family Online Backup Strategy
• Business Online Backup Strategy
• Enterprise Online Backup Strategy

There are different scales of online backup plans. Each is designed for to fit a certain budget and data storage requirement. If you’re not sure which category you fit into or how much you should pay, follow our guide.

Single Computers

For a user with only one computer there are several companies that thrive. And you should not pay extra for the ability to backup other computers.

1. SugarSync – $4.95/month for 30GB, 1 computer synced with all devices. Read Review
2. IDrive – $4.95/month for 150GB, 1 computer synced with some mobile devices. Read Review
3. Backblaze – $5.00/month for Unlimited GB, 1 computer, no mobile devices supported. Read Review
4. All Single Computer Top Picks

Multiple Computers

One person or a group with multiple computers. Families often fall into this category. Pay to back up more than one computer with only one account or a up to 5 different users. Don’t pay extra for user management, usage charts or extensive multi-user software.

1. SugarSync – $49.99/month ($449/year) for 100 GBs and 3 users (Add users and space as needed). Read Review
2. SafeCopy – Starting at $70/year 300GB (All your computers can be backed up under 1 account). Read Review
3. IDrive Pro Family Pack – $4.95/month for 500GB and up to 5 PCs on one account. Read Review
4. All Multiple Computer Top Picks

Basic Business Backup

What does it take to backup your business? You will likely need to have more than one computer and more than one user. Most options are scalable to fit your needs. If you have a lot of requirements, consider the next category for advanced business backup.

1. ElephantDrive – $25/month ($200/year) for 50GB up to 5 users. Read Review
2. IBackup – $20.00/month ($216.00/yr) for 10GB, Database backup with 3 sub accounts. Read Review
3. Box – $15/user/month for 500GB. Read Review
4. All Business Top Picks

Advanced Business Backup

Trying to backup Win Servers, Exchange Servers, Oracle Servers, etc…? Often times this section is for the larger businesses with lots of needs. Some companies will require you to call for an estimate, but this list compiles what information we have already gathered. Not sure what you need? Read the enterprise online backup strategy guide.

1. iBackup – Professional Plans: $4.95/month (49.00/yr) for 15GB Database backup, Multiple accounts and up to 30 versions of a file. Read Review
2. ElephantDrive – Enterprise Edition: $15/month ($920/year) or 250GB up to 25 users. Read Review
3. Box – Have to call for estimate. Unlimited users and storage. Read Review
4. All Advanced Business Top Picks

More guides to help you:

• Helpful Online Backup Guides
• Backup Terms and Definitions
• Mac File Sync Explained

It sounded like a good idea to back up your data, but all the size options are not making sense to you, how do you find out how much is enough?

Looking for used space:

Whether your on a Windows or a Mac there are ways to view how much space is taken up on your hard drive.

Windows:

• If your on a windows you can go to “My computer” then select the drive you have most of your data stored on. Right click on your drive (probably drive C:) and select properties. You will see a pie graph that shows your remaining drive space.
• Also in windows if you want to measure the size of your folders you can right click on any folder and select ‘properties’ to see the folder size and space used for the folders.

Mac:

• On a Mac open your user’s ‘Macintosh HD’ that is usually in the top right corner of the screen. On the bottom of the finder window, it will display remaining disk space. You can also right click on ‘Macintosh HD’ and select ‘Get info’ to see more details.
• Still in Mac you can find space used for files and folders too. Right click on a file or folder and select ‘get info’ to see the space used.
• Mac file sync explained

It will be more accurate to measure the size of only documents that are created by you. Not software files or operating system files, but just the files that you create or manage yourself.

After you’ve gotten the sizes for several of your important documents you will start to see how much space you will need for online backup. You can choose between just uploading your crucial documents or you can upload all your files.

More information in these articles:

• Family Online Backup Strategy
• Business Online Backup Strategy

Wish you had a file at home with you? Not sure what the difference between online backup and online file syncing is? and not sure if you need either or both? Then this guide is for you.

What is a Files Syncing Service?

File syncing is the process of keeping all your files up to date throughout all your different devices. They are all connected to a central hub (The service provider’s servers) which collects the data and distributes it to all other connected devices.

What are the benefits to file syncing?

You don’t have to worry if you have left a file at home, at the office, or wherever. File syncing solves the problem of having to email, make a disk copy, or transferring a file using a physical medium. It’s easier to let the internet handle it for you. Syncing means that all files are kept up to date. If you delete one, it will be deleted on all devices. If you change one, the changes will be updated in all other devices.

Are File Syncing and Online Backup the same?

Essentially, Yes. You are safely storing your data onto the service provider’s servers. The main difference in Online Backup Companies and File Syncing Companies is really just in the service they focus on. Backup companies like IDrive, IBackup, Carbonite, or Backblaze all focus on safely storing your files on their servers and making that as easy as possible for you. File Syncing Companies like SugarSync, Dropbox or Box.net focus heavily on just keeping your files up to date easily and securely.

You will notice that file syncing companies charge more for less storage. This is because you are paying more for the quality software, web interface and the syncing service itself. With online backup companies, the focus is on quality backup and secure storage.