Since my laptop was stolen I have been focusing on how to protect yourself, your laptops and gadgets, and your files on your laptop computer from thieves. I wrote about programs that can help you locate and recover your laptop and mobile devices. This time I want to focus on the files that you have on your computer. When I walked into my house and saw the mess from the burglars and noticed my laptop gone, I began to worry about all the images and documents I had stored on my computer. In my mind they were all history.
There are many services that allow you to back up your files in the cloud in case of an emergency. An emergency can include a lost or stolen laptop or even a natural disaster. Cloud storage simply means to make a copy of your files to a remote server provided by a company. With cloud storage, these files are generally available from any computer because all you need to do is log into the account.
I have found some of the best cloud backup storage providers. Since I am frugal, I look for the most storage at the best price. I was not using an online cloud storage service when my laptop was stolen, even though I knew they were available. I will now be choosing one of the following.
SugarSync- This online backup service has many features. You can sync multiple devices. Once you send your files to the cloud, you can access them from any device. There are mobile apps available for iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Symbian. There is no need to remember to sync your files because SugarSync backs up your files automatically, securely and continuously. There are plans for everyone. The 5GB plan is free and there are plans for 60GB for $4.99 per month, 60GB for $9.99 per month, 100GB for $14.99 per month and 250GB for $24.99 per month.
Mozy- This is another cloud storage service that offers multiple features to help store your files. Mozy offers automatic or scheduled backups so you never forget to add the newest or changed files. Users can also restore data via the Mozy software through the web or by ordering a DVD restore. Windows users can also restore data via right-click or through the Mozy Virtual Drive. Files can be accessed on iOS and Android devices. There are two Mozy plans to choose from. 50GB/ 1 computer for $5.99 per month and 125GB/ 3 computers for $9.99 per month
Carbonite- Carbonite is often offered with hosting providers. After the initial backup of your files, Carbonite updates new or modified files to the Carbonite data center. With this service, if you need to restore files, it is easy because Carbointe walks you through an easy-to-follow process. Files that are backed up can be accessed from any computer or your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry smartphones. With Carbonite, there are 3 simple plans to choose from all with unlimited access. The 1 year plan is $59.00 per computer, the 2 year plan is $109.00 per computer and the 3 year plan is $139.00 per computer.
SpiderOak- SpiderOak seems to offer a bit more on backed up files. The cloud storage service not only automatically syncs changed and new files, but also keeps copies of the previous versions and deleted files. With your account you can sync data from multiple machines and you can share the stored files. You can create a password protected ShareRooms. With SpiderOak you can access your files through their web interface or with apps for iOS and Android. A free account with SpiderOak gives you 2GB and full features. This included unlimited computers. Or you can upgrade your account for 100GB for $10 and an additional $10 per month for each 100GB.
My Other Drive- With My Other Drive gives you automatic or manual backups, collaboration that can be password protected, security, drag and drop uploads, and even import from other online storage services. The most unique feature I have seen is the ability to mail in USB drives to My Other Drive and they will add the files to your online account. However access is limited to a PC, Mac or online. No mobile devices are supported.
About Jessica Benton
Jessica, nice collection of cloud file backup services.One thing that people should be aware though, is the extra money that someone might have to pay when using a mobile device (iphone, android etc) when syncing files to the cloud via an internet connection which is charging by volume (MBytes) transferred. In Europe for example there are a lot of mobile phone companies that charge extra money when using the Data Connection over their mobile devices. This will add an extra charge when syncing megabytes of files to the cloud.
Thanks
Harris
Skydrive? 25GB of online storage, 5GB of “mesh” between PC/Mobile/Internet.
Twitter: jonanscher
says:
I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned Dropbox. It’s a competitor to SugarSync. It doesn’t have the same range of features and plans, but it is way cleaner, very stable, and it has the added bonus of keeping versions of your files for 30 days (no extra charge) instead of just the last 5 versions. And for about $30/month, you can make that unlimited versions as far back as possible.
The reason I did not mention Dropbox is because in this article I am talking about all file backup. Dropbox is best for selective files, not an everyday backup for all the files you have on your computer.
Twitter: jonanscher
says:
Oh, because dropbox only syncs one folder and can’t be setup to sync other folders like SugarSync can? That makes sense.
How about SkyDrive, minus and few other backup service?
Twitter: jonanscher
says:
SkyDrive has the same issue as Dropbox only worse. It’s highly limiting on what you can backup.