Keep important documents, files, folders and photographs safe and secure by protecting vital computer data with one of the following online backup services.

 

Computer hard drives store a plethora of important data. People create, save, share and store all sorts of important financial information, essential documents, digital photographs, music and videos on computers.

But chances are good that at some point, the information stored on desktop computers and laptop devices will be lost or damaged beyond repair. 

While some people do backup computer data using DVDs, floppy disks and jump drives, many people simply do not perform backups as often as suggested. And unfortunately, many people do not think about backing up vital documentation and files until it is too late.

Hardware failures and nasty computer viruses can wipe out important information. If vital information has been backed up, it is important to consider where that information is stored. If backups are located in a home or office where a theft or catastrophic event has occurred, the information that has been backed up may be damaged or lost.  After all, fires, floods and other weather related events do occur and often times without warning.

 
Online Data Backup Services
The following online backup services provide convenience, peace of mind and protection for computer users everywhere. All three services provide paid subscription plans and free plans. As long as there is an available Internet connection, users are able to store, access and retrieve the important data from any location. Once the information has been uploaded and saved, it is safe and secure.

1.  Xdrive is an online service that provides several different plans for computer users. Registered users can easily store, organize, share and protect data.

How it Works:

_      Registration is required.

_      Once registration is complete, users download and install the free Xdrive software.

_      Select from three plans; Xdrive Desktop Lite, Xdrive Desktop or Xdrive Web.

_      Once the software has been downloaded and installed, users are able to upload and transfer files to the remote Xdrive by a simple drag and drop method.

Xdrive Specifics:

_      Choose between the free 5 GB or the 50 GB paid subscription plan.

_      Users are able to backup, store and share documents, music, digital photographs, music, and more.

_      Set up automatic scheduled backups of updated and important information.

_      Provides SSL protection to users.

_      Xdrive is a Verisign Secure Site.

_      All information is stored in a "disaster-proof" data center.

_      Is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Macintosh, Linux and Unix operating systems.

2.  IDrive is another Internet service that provides peace of mind and offers two different plans for users.

How it Works:

_      Registration is required.

_      Once registered, select from a variety of downloadable programs.

_      IDrive Basic offers 2 GB of free storage.

_      IDrive Pro offers both a personal and business plan with different price points.

IDrive Specifics:

_      Information is backed up in ten minute intervals.

_      Provides continuous computer backups.

_      Easy-to-use interface is similar to Windows Explorer.

_      Is compatible with Windows2000/XP/Vista and Macintosh operating systems.

_      Provides 128-bit SSL encryption on transfers and 256-bit AES encryption.

3.   Mozy is a service that provides several online backup packages for users including a free plan.

How it Works:

_      MozyHome Free offers 2 GB of free backup storage space for registered users.

_      MozyHome provides unlimited storage for a small monthly fee.

_      MozyBusiness offers a variety of storage space and rates.

_      Registration is required.

_      Once registration is complete, users download and install the free Mozy software.

Mozy Specifics:

_      Performs Outlook email backups.

_      Provides automatic scheduled backups.

_      Includes bandwidth throttling.

_      Provides 128-bit SSL and 448-bit Blowfish encryption.

_      Is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista and Mac OS X operating systems.

Avoid loss of vital documents, information and irreplaceable memories, by saving and storing computer information in a safe and secure environment online.

 

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway is the West Central Four Internet Safety Coordinator and Chairperson of the Macomb Online Safety Team (MOST). E-mail her at gallowayj@mcusd185.org and visit her award-winning educational website at http://InternetSafetyEducator.com <http://internetsafetyeducator.com/>