Don’t Lose Your Data

The stories of PC disasters are endless and they continue to be heard even when we all know there are so many ways for people to backup these days. Unfortunately it seems it is still too hard for most to protect themselves.

Hackers, viruses, acts of nature — even a coffee cup is capable of destroying years of your precious data.Much of our life is stored in digital form on a computer so doesn’t it make sense that you’d do almost anything to keep that data safe. See original article

Even though this article is from the US, it’s just as relevant in Australia. The article encourages PC users to do something about backing up and goes on to compare both Carbonite Online Backup and Mozy.

This is what it said about ‘How to use Carbonite’. Carbonite puts a lot of focus on keeping its service simple, without the many frills you may get from other providers. At the end of the day, PC users just want it to happen and keep happening (backing up that is) and Carbonite does this well.

Using Carbonite Backup

The first step is downloading their free trial software. It takes all of about 30 seconds to download their 2.8 MB software on a high speed cable connection. The installation takes a few minutes longer, but it’s very informative. Offering audio guides through the entire process.

Depending on how you setup the Carbonite software will determine what files are backed up. As mentioned if the standard install is done then your MY DOCUMENTS and SETTINGS are backed up. You can also override this and choose to manually select which files and folders are backed up.

Adding files to the backup is simple, you simply right click on the file on your computer and select Carbonite -> Back this up. It couldn’t be any easier. Other programs I’ve used you need to fumble around with tree directory menus clicking this and that, but Carbonite backup really has simplified this step.

If you’re backing up several gigs of information you should be prepared for it taking some time to do. But this is primarily only for the first backup. Since Carbonite will only add modified or new files withing folders you have chosen to backup each time.

Backing up and Restoring Files

My initial backup went off without a hitch. It did take sometime, but I didn’t notice any major slow down in my PC while it was going. I haven’t had to do a full restore of all the files, but I have accessed and tested some of them. Everything went as easily as Carbonite’s website suggests it should.

Carbonites Backup Drive Screen

Carbonite Support

From all the consumer reviews I’ve read I’ve got to say that the Carbonite support team sounds like the best in the biz. They offer phone and online support, and those consumers that have called have actually got to speak with a real person. Fancy that, an actual support person in the age of computers.

Verdict on Carbonite Backup

As a backup tool Carbonite backup is at the top of my list. I am still using it to keep files and data safe. The only draw back is that to restore large amounts of data could take some time to download. I love the unlimited space option, also their desktop software is simple to use, and adding files to a backup is easy.

Compared to it’s competitors Carbonite is the sure winner. Download their free trial and you’ll see for yourself.

Carbonite Online Backup offers a free 30 day trial and you only need to provide an email address and a password.