Sunday 10 November 2013

Will Backblaze Work For My Online Storage Needs? Read My Complete Review



Are you looking for an online backup service that can keep your files safe and secure? There are literally hundreds of options out there; how do you choose the best? In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the popular option called Backblaze and see if it may work for you and your needs.

What Is Backblaze?




Backblaze is one of the many online tools that are on the market today. It is compatible with all recent types of Windows and Mac operating systems. What it does is allow users to take the data from their computers and back it up at a site that is not within the home. Currently, Backblaze has unlimited space and there is no worry about how large the files you have are.

How Does Backblaze Work?


Backblaze, in short, allows its customers to back up their data in a number of ways. Any data that goes to the company is encrypted so that your files remain safe and secure. When you are looking to upload your data later on, you can download it digitally or request a physical hard drive or flash drive (depending on the amount of data you have saved). The service cost $5 a month per computer.

Everything on your computer is backed up by Backblaze, unless it is a temporary file or the operating system. The company has a more inclusive list of what it backs up on their website. The size of those files does not matter. Backblaze is one of the only backup services that will backup everything that is connected to your computer as well. Whether your external drives are connected via USB or Fire-wire, Backblaze will detect them and save the data on them as well.

You can back up your files whenever you want. As long as you are connected to the internet, you are able to back up the files on your computer. There is a scheduling function in the software, and so you can schedule it for any time that you like. Backblaze will even update files that you have already uploaded into the data storage system. You can also manually backup your files by hitting the “backup now” button. More information about the backup system can be found on the Backblaze website.

The encryption of your files (AES encryption) helps to keep your files secure throughout the backup process. To add extra security, you can even require Backblaze to ask for a password when you go to look at your files. Security is top priority at Backblaze, and they make sure that all of your files are kept safe.

Features Overview


- Price: $5 a month per computer for a home account. Business plans available at different rates. Multiple computer accounts are also available; for $5 extra per computer per month, you can add additional computers to your main account.

- Unlimited storage, unlimited file sizes.

- 15 day free trial available.

- Support for Windows and Mac computers; also supports iPhones and iPads. Currently, there are no other platforms available, but the company plans on adding
them.

- Ability to browse your files via your browser.

- Ability to throttle your bandwidth to save on bandwidth costs, if your ISP charges for bandwidth and/or you are concerned about lag.

- Email and online ticket support available; the website also has FAQ and a blog that you can check out for more information.

Customer Reviews


Want to see what other people have to say about Backblaze? Here are some of them:

“Backblaze is the way online backup should be which is simple and straightforward. Backblaze has cut out all the unnecessary features leaving a strong backup utility which makes your data safer.  If you manage it properly you can save hours of your time and never feel any of the bandwidth being used.” – Jim K.

“Compared to other providers, Backblaze has a very limited feature set, there is no syncing, no file sharing, nothing that would go beyond online backup. And they perform exceptionally well. Also, it is certainly the service with the easiest user interface allowing even inexperienced computer users secure file backup.” – Online Backup Reviews review

“The prices are affordable on just about any budget and you are given an unlimited about of storage space. You can easily backup everything you currently have on one or all of your computers, so you never have to worry about a lost or corrupted file ever again. Backing up in the cloud means your data is safe and easily accessible from anywhere in the world.” – Mark K.

As you can see, there are many people who are happy with the service they have gotten from Backblaze. Check them out today and see if Backblaze is the online storage system that you have been looking for.


Saturday 9 November 2013

Why Should I Consider Carbonite For My Online Backup Needs?



How do you decide on what online backup tools to use for your website? You could pick blindly, but how can you be sure that you are getting the best value for your money and the most safety available? Let’s take a closer look at Carbonite and see whether it may be a good choice for you.

What Is Carbonite?



Carbonite is one of many online backup services that are available on the market today. The company has built itself on the principles that it is safe and secure, that it is easy to use, and that the average family can afford to use the services.

When you are looking for an online backup service, you want one that is completely secure, right? There’s no need for anyone else to be getting into your files. Carbonite actually has one of the highest levels of encryption software available and is incredibly secure.

Affordable For Your Budget


Carbonite is also incredibly inexpensive. Sure, you have to pay for it (because they do have to maintain their servers and keep up with new technology in the online backup world, but it’s not that pricey.

Home plans start at the affordable price of $59 a year (less than $5 a month), which allows you to have unlimited file storage for one computer (Mac or windows).

There are also business and multiple-computer plans available as well (most of which are $99 and up, which is still fairly affordable). You can also backup external hard-drives and other external storage devices as well.

Not sure that you want to commit without trying it? Carbonite actually offers a 15-day trial for new users, so you can decide whether or not you like it without even putting in your personal information. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can also get special discounts on subscriptions throughout the year.

All-in-all, Carbonite is one of the most affordable online backup services available on the market.

Simple To Use


One of the best traits of Carbonite is that it is incredibly simple to use. You can look at the website and understand exactly where you have to go in order to perform certain tasks. There’s no technological mumbo-jumbo, no mess, and no fuss. You can also see where you can try out the free version easily, so don’t worry about accidentally paying for a year of it when you just want to try it out.

Once you’re in the system, you can start uploading information onto your account. The buttons are clearly marked and you will understand exactly what you can do. Another great feature is that you can sign onto your account from any computer, even if it does not have Carbonite software installed, and get access to your archive.

This is especially important if you have just purchased a new computer and want to put your old files onto this computer. Or, you can use it as a remote file access option, so that you can get access to your files without having to transfer your subscription.

Carbonite has had mixed reviews from some people, citing that it is almost “too simple” for their needs. This may, in fact, be the case, as most people who have used Carbonite suggest that it be used by users who don’t have very complicated needs. If you’re maintaining a network or doing more advanced functions, you may want to consider a different option.

Customer Reviews


Everyone likes getting the opinions of other people when they are looking at products, and this should be no exception. Take a look at what some people are saying about Carbonite’s product and services.

“All in all we find that Carbonite is one of the easiest, safest and most reliable online backup services that are available today. It places a lot of emphasis on ease of use and security and offers an affordable unlimited version with unlimited storage space.” – Sam K. 
“I have using this service for close to 3.5 years now and I am really impressed with it. I really like the fact that it provides unlimited storage since my computer files tend to grow over time. In fact, I have 4 computers that I am backing up with the service. :)” – Mike C. 
“If you are looking for a web service that keeps it simple while keeping your files secure, Carbonite may be exactly what you are looking for. I really like everything that they have done, and I especially like how easy it is to use and backup my files.” – Amber R.

If you are looking for an online backup service that is simple to use and inexpensive to purchase, you may want to check out Carbonite. Go to their website today for more information and to see if they are the right product for you and your company.

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Mozy Review: Is It Worth Your Money? My Complete Investigation.

Another web service that offers online backup is known as Mozy. Although a little more pricey than its other online backup counterparts, it is another good choice to consider when you are looking for an online backup service for your home and/or business. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Mozy?


At first, Mozy was developed as most data services were; you backed up your hard drive and then you could restore your files in case something happened to your computer. Over time, the company has developed different technologies, and integrated other ones, including a file syncing service. This is probably one of the best things that Mozy has done; it helped transition the company from just an online backup service to a competitor to cloud services.

How Does Mozy Work?



Mozy is incredibly easy to use. You download the software onto your computer, and access it via a client on your desktop. Then, it’s up to you how you proceed; you can go with manual saving, where you can click-and-drag any files that you want to backup to the client.

You can also decide to set up a time where Mozy automatically backs up all of the files on the computer. One neat feature is called “Stash,” which works similarly to GoogleDocs, where you can have multiple people working on files and Mozy will update the file regularly on every single device linked to that folder.

Unlike some of its competitors, Mozy does not offer unlimited services for home or business services. Granted, they still offer a lot of space. There are only a few plans available, starting at 50GB and going all the way up to 125GB.

The issue may come into play if you have a lot of computers that you are using, because the home plans only allow you to have three devices. Business plans vary, and you will have to contact Mozy if you wish to get in on a business plan.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mozy


There are a lot of strengths when it comes to Mozy. First, the security that they use (128 SSL encryption for transferring; 448-bit encryption for storage) is some of the best encryption used in security software today. They can also add layers of security through passcodes and encryption keys.

This doesn’t make the security bulletproof, but you can be fairly sure that no one is accessing your data. They are also good at giving support via the phone and email, and you can also check out their very detailed user manual if you need assistance.

One weakness of Mozy is that you cannot use file sharing with the program. The program offers a number of other typical offerings, like automatic backups and offline syncing, but it does not offer file sharing, which is in more and more online backup services for businesses.

Another weakness is that it is a little more complicated to use than some of its counterparts (Carbonite, etc), so the learning curve is a little bit steeper if you aren’t good with technology.

Features of Mozy


-          Software type is a web application that requires 256MB of RAM and 2GB of disk space in order to run.

-          Available for use on computers with Mac and Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.

-          Requires a 500-MHz or faster processor in order to work

-          Three types of subscriptions available: Mozy Home, Mozy Pro, and Mozy Enterprise. Prices range from as low as $5.99/month and goes up to $19.95/month (Pro);
Enterprise prices are variable depending on your business’s needs. 30 day free trial available for MozyPro.

What Are Customers Saying About Mozy?


Want to see what other people have to say about Mozy? Take a look at some of the things that other customers are saying about the product.

“The client from Mozy is as automated, clean and easy to use as I think they can really make it. Overall, a great product.” – Jim R.

"I really love Mozy. The price is right, the software is well-designed, and the service seems about as sound as possible. I'd have a hard time finding a better Web-based backup option.” – Mark Z.

As you can see, many customers are happy with what they are seeing with Mozy. Check it out today and give Mozy a try.


P:S - Use my coupon code AES to enjoy a further 10% discount for your online backup plan today!