Online backup services like Carbonite, Mozy, etc

[steve_83]

I didn't know exactly where to post this, so gentle moderators just move it or ask and I will if it's in the wrong forum.

Does anyone have any personal experience with these back-up services please?

I stumbled on a recent article in a doctors office that planted a seed and then found this googling it probably:
http://online-storage-service-review...com/index.html

I can remember that on one site, Carbonite got bashed to smithereens.
With their TV ads I think they get the most exposure, and that's why that product entered my mind first.
Going by memory again, Mozy seemed to get the best reviews.

I am (still) horrible about backups and for $50 a year this seems like it's worth every penny.
I've had 2) major and fatal crashes this year and still don't backup as much as I should.


Any consensus around here?

Thanks in advance for some replies fellow Drs..

Running a custom desktop with a RAID array with Windows Vista Ultimate & Windows 7 Ultimate now....if that matters.
And if the thought comes up, nope I don't care to mirror (or) stripe drives.

Steve_83

[HAN]

IMO, online backup should never be a core option. Never!

Many online backup services have come and gone over the last few years. Unless you are using a business class online option (which isn't $50 per month, let alone $50 per year!), the only one I'd trust is Microsoft's Live SkyDrive. At least we know it's well funded!

What have you been doing for backups?

[Welshjim]

steve_83--I suggest an external hard drive.
P.S. Welcome back!!

[steve_83]

My primary is:

But actually......Using media like DVDs and only backing up critical things:
Documents
Pics
Videos
Program files

Pathetic, huh?

That is one thing I really like about using exclusively web based email sites.
It's rare (never actually) that I've lost anything when the inevitable HD crash occurs.

May I ask you to embellish on this Han?

online backup should never be a core option.

Wouldn't a person be warned if these Companies were going to tank?
This just sounded sooooo easy.
I figured someone here would know.

HEY!! Hi my old friend Welsh Jim.


Yes I even have a Western Digital 160GB Dual Option back up USB drive., and it's 3 inch thick operating manual.

I'm going to be asking some really stupid questions if we get into that.

Steve_83

[Welshjim]

steve_83--The Western Digital external drive you have should be fine unless what you want to back up is greater than 160GB in size. The WD drive should have come with a backup program (probably Retrospect Express) on CD. It is really is pretty easy to back up to the external drive with that program. Just follow the instructions for a simple Backup. Good luck!

[HAN]

May I ask you to embellish on this Han?
Quote: online backup should never be a core option.

Sure! 2 reasons...

First, if your internet connection, or the other end (where the data is stored) has problems, you, the user has a BIG problem. You temporarily may not be able to reach your data when you want/need it.

Second, if the service ends (and they have, from some well known companies), you may have a very limited time frame to retrieve your data. Miss the window of opportunity and your backup is gone. Have a crash after your data is gone and you have NO backup! (2 famous closures http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2341804,00.asp )

Online backup is certainly a viable thing. But I feel very strongly it should always be Plan B. Plan A is managed local, user made backups.

[ralph3124]

Also, you should remember, the on-line backups will NOT back up programs, just data. So, unless you have your program(s) backed up somewhere you may be down the river without a paddle.

[Cassel]

I got Acronis, from recommandations here and the latest version offers that type of online backup. I am considering it, as a SECOND backup, since i already have Acronis back up daily on an EHD.

Now, to answer the initial question, here is a post in a forum just from this week when someone was asking the same question:

I did another google search for problems with mozy in just the last year, this one is pretty relevant to the types of files and stuff digiscrappers & designers would be backing up:
Mozy – Online Backup. Great, Except For Restoring iPhoto & Aperture 3
Here's a story from another digiscrap forum about trying to restore 600gb & Mozy wanting $300 to restore it:
About Mozy - Digital Scrapbooking Community - DesignerDigitalsThe poster mentions that to not pay the $300 would of taken weeks, and from what I've read elsewhere, you can't pause the restorations.

There's other services out there aside from Mozy, and from what I've seen, they don't have restoration problems.

I dont know personally, but it might give you some hints?

[steve_83]

Thanks for the responses fellow doctors.

Sorry but I've been back in the dang hospital again.

Let me digest the responses, get settled in & then I'll come back and bash everyone who didn't tell me exactly what I wanted to hear.



Isn't that how life works?

Steve_83

[foxy]

I have a complex system. I have images on an external HD, but also another copy of my data on a 2nd networked computer. That computer is also loaded with my most important programs, and I can run it if I'm repairing this one. You might call it a hardware backup.