Start Protecting your Data using Free Online Backup Space by DAVE FRASER


Computers,Software

Almost everyone owns a computer these days, but did you know very few business or personal computer users backup their data? With one crash, natural disaster, or software failure you could wipe out all of your personal photos, videos, music and financial data. If you're a small business owner this could be even more catastrophic.
Over the new few paragraphs I want to illustrate just how easy it is for your to create a backup of your important data online, and even how you can create that online backup for free.
Let's Get Started
The first step is getting a free backup account from Mozy. Their service offers 2GB free storage as a trial offer to new customers to test out their services. This is an excellent way to:
A.) Start getting some of your files backed up off site in a secure storage environment. b.) Try your hand at using an online backup service.
Once you visit the Mozy backup home page you'll see that you can sign up for the free 2GB of storage and it won't cost you a penny. There is some basic info they'll want you to provide, but they won't charge you a cent. After you're done signing up they'll prompt you to download their free backup software. This is the program that groups your files together and transfers them to the Mozy servers for backup.
Selecting your Files and Folders to Backup
Of any step in this process choosing your files is probably the most cumbersome. You have to choose which files and folders you want included in your backup set. You want to ensure you take your time at this point because there's nothing worse then realizing something wasn't backed up if you do have a crash.
Usually if you choose to backup a single folder then all the other sub folders and files will be included. Be sure to double check that and not just assume that all the files within a single folder have been selected.
I'd suggest you create a backup of your MS outlook or other email client software for the address book and any archived mail you have.
It's possible that you may end up with more then 2 GB of data for your initial backup. If this is the case you have a couple of options. For a bout five bucks a month you can upgrade your account with Mozy and get access to more space, or you can reduce the files you're backing up for now to test out the system.
Uploading your Backed up Files
Once you've chosen the files to backup the last step is to begin your initial upload of the files to the secure online backup server. This process will take a while but you don't need to sit there and watch it happen. It's rather like watching paint dry so allowing it to upload on it's own is best.
After you've selected the files you want backed up the final step is to upload all the data online. This isn't as time consuming for you as it might seem. The Mozy backup software, and backup servers all work together and you don't need to sit there and upload one file at a time. Instead the software will handle the whole process on its own. All you need to do is push a button.
Once the backup has started you'll probably want to leave your computer for a while. It can take several hours to transfer 2 GB of information. The good news is this only has to happen once and then the process is done.