by Dan Miller

The process of backing up one’s computer data is a process that, like other forms of insurance, may seem too mundane or unnecessary to bother with – until disaster strikes and it is too late. Years ago, computer data backup software and solutions consisted of some form of external physical media, such as a CD, zip drive, DVD, external hard drive, or tape drive, plus automating software running on the computer.

If you are looking for a data backup solution, you should know that the recent explosion in broadband internet coverage, plus less expensive hard drive space has made online data backup an excellent option. There are now many online data backup and disaster recover services available. One advantage of using an online backup service is that you don’t have to purchase additional physical storage. Instead, you subscribe to the service just as you probably do for your internet connection.

Another advantage is that the software client’s footprint is often lighter and less taxing on one’s computer than running a traditional backup program. One disadvantage, however, is that the speed of the backup process is limited to bandwidth, which can make large backups very time consuming compared to more traditional external physical media. The process may be interrupted by a failed internet connection.

A large number of services allow users to try them for free, with monthly fees for subscribers beginning at around five dollars, to an unspecified limit of hundreds of dollars each annum for enterprise subscribers. Currently, one gigabyte is where available storage capacity begins at, right through to space without limits. Users are able to buy more space for storage as they need it. This differs from external media.

The online backup services often include separate perks and capabilities, like file sharing, photo sharing, slide shows, social networking services, and encryption for transfer and storage. Some of these service’s client software works better with Macs, and some of it works better with Windows. Because of this, your user experience and the integrity of the restoration process may be more satisfactory from some services than from other services.

Internal hard drives have an inherent failure rate, and there are many ways a hard drive can be compromised, or the data it contains stolen along with the computer. So no matter the service one chooses, having a functional and regular data backup routine in place is critical in the event of such an emergency.

About the Author:
If you would like to explore the different online backup solutions currently available, go to Backup All Data. You can download and use the the Backup Software for free.