Internet Backup and File Storage Services
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Worried about losing the data on your computer? Saving your data onto a secure internet server protects you from theft, fire, and equipment failure. These services typically provide software that will automatically back up your essential files, mail messages, etc. so you don't have to manually fiddle with CD's, DVD's, or USB storage. Some of the top backup service providers are listed in the first table below.
There's another class of internet file storage where you upload (save) files yourself. This type of service is more appropriate for data that you want to share with someone else and that doesn't constantly change (since backing it up would be repetitious for you). A sampling of these providers are listed in the second table below.
Tip: Features and prices fluctuate often, so double-check this info before making your final decision.
Here's the table of internet backup services. Most provide such features as incremental backup, encryption of your data, and various methods of recovering your files if you lose your computer.
| Internet Backup Services | |||
| Provider/ Plan | Space @ Cost | Restrictions (may be more than listed here) |
Software& other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbonite.com | $4.16/mo | unlimited? | near-continuous backup for Win XP |
| IBackup | 5 GB @ $10/mo | Full-featured backup software for Win instructions for Linux |
|
| IDrive Basic | 2 GB free | Mac & Windows do not interoperate. | |
| IDrive Pro | 150 GB @ $5/mo | "True Archiving, Versioning, Continuous Backup, Mapped Drive Backup, Sync and Web-based Backup Management" Pro: "create and manage multiple user accounts from a single administrative login..." Mac & Windows do not interoperate. | |
| Mozy.com | 2 GB Free | for home users | Win,
near-continuous, incremental, open files. see http://mozy.com/pro/comparison Can see your files on Mozy's server using Windows Explorer. |
| MozyPro.com | $4/mo + $0.50/GB/mo | ||
| Xdrive (xdrive.com) | 5 GB Free | Automatic Backup Drag and drop file transfer Creates a drive letter (X:) for access Requires AOL or AIM screen name, your name, address, telephone number, etc. Read the privacy policy. |
|
Here's the table of file storage services. Photo-centric sites such as Flickr.com are not included. Some provide a way to send file download links to your friends or associates.
Warning: Some of the free services expire if you don't regulary use the service.
| Internet File Storage Services | |||
| Provider/ Plan | Space @ Cost | Restrictions (may be more than listed here) |
Software& other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box.net | 1 GB free | max 10 MB/file, 10 GB/mo transfer | browser,
"applet". Free service is ad-supported. See http://www.box.net/info/pricing-plans |
| 5 GB @ $8/mo | max 1 GB / file | ||
| DriveHQ.com | 2 GB @ $3/mo | Win, Mac, Linux via FTP or web browser |
|
| FileXoom.com | 2 GB Free | downloads limited /mo max 10 MB /file files deleted 60 days after last access |
web browser, e-mailweb |
| FileXoom.com / Premium | 50 GB @ $2.50/mo | max 100 MB /file | |
| Mediamax (mediamax.com) / Free | 25 GB Free | Download or share 1GB /mo max 10 MB / file |
web browser; Win software in testing |
| Mediamax (mediamax.com) / Premium | 100 GB @ $5/mo |
Download or share 10 GB/month max 1 GB per file |
|
| Snapdrive.net "Basic" | 2 GB Free | 100Kbps transfer, max file size 100MB, Advertisements |
Each MB takes 82 seconds to transfer at 100Kbps. 100Kps is 2-3 times faster than dialup. |
| Snapdrive.net "Upgraded" | 10 GB @ $5/mo | max file size 1 GB, max transfer 4GB/day | no ads |
Abbreviations:
Notes:
- 1 GB is 1000 MB, which is approximately 1.5 CD's
- Most allow files to be uploaded and downloaded via a web browser such as Firefox or Internet Explorer on Win, Mac, or Linux.
- Incremental = backs up only those files which have changed
- Near-continuous = files are backed up frequently and automatically
- Open files = can back up files that are in use, for example your mail files while your e-mail program is running