on-line file backup service recommendation
 

Can anyone recommend an on-line file backup service for a single PC? How about services to avoid?

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

Why not just buy a decent portable hard drive or "NAS" device?

How much data?

Why not both? In reality, backing up to a physical drive at home, such as a USB thumb, external HD such as the Seagate or WD systems means that you have to be at home to do the backup or restore. Having the backup in a data farm / "cloud" may be more convenient. Gee, I thought you were an IT guy . . . ;)

Generally I agree with the external drive setup, although the cloud based backups are getting better. But I still don't trust them, both their security and reliability.

I recommend at least 2 externals(3 if you want to be better still), one kept offsite or in a good safe. Swap them periodically.
Any number of backup programs, I use Acronis for my main workstation (VERY good program but the user interface is ?? well unique ?? once you figure it out is isn't bad though.) There are freeware and shareware programs too, I have tried some no great +s or -s, once I decide to toast my Acronis I may go through several.

Win 7s basic backup program is very good, unlike XP, it can create a boot disk to restore from.

With 1TB externals under 100 bucks, you can keep several backups, store a bunch of less used files (I put the OS and driver disks on them).
If you have eSata and get an eSata external, backups fly.

Note that Comcast is offering 2gig free if you have their internet, you can pay for more.

This is the most important piece of any backup setup, tape, disk, local, cloud ....

TEST IT then TEST IT AGAIN, and document the restore process on PAPER where you can get to it when you need it.

This is for two reasons, just to make sure you are backing up what you think and can restore it.

By testing it, you hopefully won't go into panic mode when you need to be calm.

AND review the backups periodically, verify they are running, that they are picking up the files you want / need

kknudson, I have a 1tb WD external and did a backup via Vistas start/programs/accessories/system tools. Does this backup the OS also?

It took awhile to back it up. After I went into the external drive and expected to see a folder or something that said "backup" or something to that effect. I dont see anything really that jumps out to me as being the backup.

Any help would be appreciated.

Well I can't really help you with Vista specifically, never had the pleasure of really running it :D.

I'll reference Win7 what I'm running on this laptop.

I'll be able to get further info later, I have the external (eSata) drive in the safe and I run my laptop 24x7 during the week trading.
But every Friday evening I back it up before I apply updates, so I can better answer then. I do a FULL backup every week, you can do data in incremental or differential mode (changed files) too, I just don't.

If you choose System Image it should be a full backup, make sure you burn a boot / emergency restore CD.

There should be a folder, it may be hidden as a system file, in explorer --> tools --> folder options.
Do this at you own risk, not dangerous, but it makes you dangerous.

I'll try and get back here Friday with more details, unless some one here with Vista can answer your questions better.

Once again those test the backup, test the restore.
Create a junk folder, throw some files in it, run your backup, delete them and then restore them. I also suggest you test a redirected restore, that is, restore them to another drive or folder.
Practice the restore now, less panic later.

I am an IT guy, one who doesn't like recurring monthly fees and trusting another company/location with my data. I can back up my stuff via VPN or FTP to my systems, so I don't need to be home. :D Or I just work via RDP anyways.

And a portable hard drive can go with you, they are pretty small. ;)

Ditto Twice