When was the last time you took a backup of your data?
At some point or other we've all lost information - whether it's a document, photos, old emails, or your favourite joke video - it's happened to us all. So why do so few of us actually have a backup routine?
Fortunately backups have come a long way recently, from the old days of floppy discs, to tapes, to CDs, to DVDs, to external hard drives, the process is basically the same - duplicate your data in another (ideally remote) location.
There's a whole host of backup tools, software and devices available, but for the purpose of this article I'll show you the easiest, most automated, and most reliable and secure methods that are available to all of you with an internet connection. Best of all, it is free, and very simple to setup (once you've done the initial install and backup you never need to touch it again!).
First, a little about the principal of on-line backup....The basics are simple, you download and install a small piece of software, and you tell it what you want to be backed up. Using efficient encryption and compression methods, the software will then copy all your files across the internet to a remote server. Once this initial backup has taken place, the software will then regularly scan for changes to files, then copy any changes or new files to the server automatically. If you lose any data you simply use the software to restore any of the files at any point in time. Note: It is important to remember that on-line backup should only really be used for documents and images - trying to backup a whole disk drive, or your whole music or film collection won't work. The good news is that the latest software is very user friendly, and many of the services are even free. Now, I'm sure you'll be concerned about several things... - I don't trust sending important files across the internet.
- You are correct to be concerned, however as long as you go with a recommended provider, please be safe in the knowledge that they have the strictest of usage terms and conditions which protect your privacy.Your files are encrypted, and sent securely across the internet
- I am on a limited Internet Tariff
- Nearly all internet-limited tariffs (such as TTNet's), are limited for downloads only - i.e. data you receive. When you backup files you are "uploading", this does not count towards your limit.
- Will I have to leave my computer and internet connection on?
- Generally speaking, the software works best the more you are connected to the internet, however as long as you are running a firewall and virus scanner, this should not create any security risks.
- Won't it be really slow?
- Yes, this initial backup will take a long time - perhaps even a week or longer (depending on how much data you have), however once the initial backup has been done, backups are smart enough to only send changed data, and will be much quicker.
Sounds great - how do I get started?OK, there are a few solutions available, but for over a year I've been using Mozy, and can fully recommend it. Their base package is totally free, and let's you backup up to 2GB of data (that's quite a lot if you were wondering). The other limitation is that you can only back up one computer. (If you need more, an unlimited solution is just $5 a month). Mozy works on Windows PCs and Apple Macs OK, let's get started: - Visit https://mozy.com/registration/free and fill in the information to get you an account. Note: please use my referral code: "WQNQ97" which will get you a discount should you choose to upgrade your account at a later date.
- Once you've completed the second form you should be sent an email confirmation. Check your email account, click the link in the email and download the Mozy client.
- Install the client (if you get stuck there is a great step-by-step guide HERE)
- Now you need to tell Mozy what files you want to backup. If it is not already running, launch the Configuration Wizard by right-clicking the MozyHome icon
 in your system tray (the tool bar at the bottom right of your screen), then click Configure. (Enter your Mozy username and password if required) - Now, select "Encrypt my data with MozyHome's own 448-bit key" as the encryption type. Click NEXT.
- Mozy will now present you with a screen of files that you can backup. It will have automatically guessed at what files you would like to include. Please tick, or un-tick any items to adjust the backup 'set'. Keep an eye on the total file size you are selecting - remember the free account is limited to only 2GB of data. If you are running out of space, remove videos and music from the backup set first - this will quickly clear a lot of space. If you can't get the size down, you may need to upgrade your account.
- Click Next to continue
- Mozy is now configured. And will automatically start backing up your files.
- To manually start a backup at any time, double-click the MozyHome icon in your system tray, and Click "Start Backup". Note that while the backup is in progress you can adjust the speed of the backup, try to keep it to maximum speed, but if you notice that the internet or computer has "slowed-down", move the slider to the left slightly.
The initial backup will take a long time, but subsequent backups will be quicker, please be patient during the initial backup, and don't be afraid to leave your computer on, and connected to the internet. You may also note that some of your files now have icons. A green tick means that the file is fully backed up. A red exclamation means that it is due to be backed up. Restoring files:To restore a previous version of a file, simply right-click on the file, and select "Restore Previous Versions", and follow the simple instructions. To restore a deleted file, double click on "My Computer", and click "MozyHome Remote Backup", then simply browse through the folder structure to find the file you want, and right-click over the file or folder you want to restore, and select "Restore"
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