| Pros: | | | | If one data center suffers a catastrophic event, your |
| - Easy to use for most users | | | | data will be safe in another location some distance |
| - A bargain for unlimited storage | | | | away. While Carbonite does maintain a first-class data |
| - Good support | | | | center, it has only one. |
| - Supports PC and Mac | | | | Amount of Storage/Price |
| - Remote access | | | | There are other online backup services that offer |
| - No complex interface to learn | | | | features similar to Carbonite, but they are not as |
| - Idle Backups - runs only when your computer is idle | | | | easy-to-use, and usually cost more. Carbonite offers |
| Cons: | | | | unlimited backup space for $54.95 per year. |
| - Files over 4GB (Gigabytes) are not automatically | | | | If you would like to try Carbonite before you buy it, |
| backed up. | | | | they offer a 15-day unlimited trial. There is no |
| Carbonite is compatible with both PC and Mac and, | | | | obligation and you will not need your credit card to |
| like most online backup services, requires the | | | | sign-up. You cannot backup music files during the trial |
| installation of a small program to operate. This | | | | period. |
| program automatically selects the most common files | | | | Ease of Use |
| and folders on your system and adds them to the | | | | The Carbonite program itself integrates with your |
| backup set for uploading to Carbonite's data center. | | | | operating system allowing you to control which files |
| You can add other files manually by right-clicking on a | | | | or folders are backed up by right-clicking on them |
| folder or file and selecting "Back This Up" on the | | | | and choosing from the options in the context menu. |
| menu. | | | | The program automatically detects new and changed |
| Carbonite does not automatically select for backup | | | | files within your backup set and backs them up to |
| any file that is larger than 4GB (Gigabytes), even if | | | | your Carbonite account. |
| you manually select a folder containing files larger | | | | You will know on sight which files are part of the |
| than this size limit. You will have to manually add | | | | backup set because Carbonite adds small colored |
| these to what Carbonite will backup, one at a time. | | | | dots to the file thumbnails, or icons, right in windows, |
| While not a problem for most users, this is important | | | | or your Mac operating system. The color of the dots |
| to note for those who work with and store video, or | | | | change based on whether the file or folder is |
| other large files on their systems. | | | | currently up-to-date, or if it is queued for backup |
| While Carbonite backs up your data automatically, it | | | | after a change. |
| runs only when you are not actively using your | | | | Getting your data back takes just a few clicks. If |
| computer. When you begin to use your computer | | | | your computer fails, or is lost, stolen or damaged, all |
| again the Carbonite software stops running. This | | | | you have to do is log in to your account at |
| helps to prevent your system or your internet | | | | Carbonite.com, using a standard Internet browser, |
| connection from slowing down while you are trying | | | | and begin downloading your data. |
| to use them. | | | | Carbonite Support |
| So, what is equal in importance to actually backing up | | | | After the backup process, and the recovery process, |
| your data? | | | | what is the third most important thing to consider |
| Being able to restore your data when you lose it. | | | | when choosing an online backup service? |
| With Carbonite, restoring your data is quite simple. It | | | | The kind and quality of help you will receive when |
| allows users to recover specific files or all the files | | | | you have problems with the service. |
| they have backed up with just a few clicks. | | | | Compared to many online backup services, Carbonite |
| Carbonite gives you full access to your files from any | | | | has a very good selection of support options. They |
| computer with an internet connection. All you will | | | | provide well designed tutorials for the most common |
| need is your email address and password. Whether | | | | tasks as well as a robust FAQ section (Frequently |
| you are traveling, at school, or at work, you always | | | | Asked Questions) that is both categorized and |
| have your files when you need them. | | | | searchable. |
| Carbonite Security | | | | If those two options do not satisfy, then you can |
| Your files will be encrypted not once, but twice | | | | submit your question via e-mail. Only after you begin |
| before they leave your computer. They remain | | | | this email process will you have access to their live |
| encrypted at Carbonite's data storage center. This | | | | chat feature and the number for phone support. |
| method of securing data is on par with what many | | | | Conclusion |
| banks use to secure online data transfer and storage. | | | | Carbonite offers the average user a simple, |
| You have the option to create and keep your own | | | | affordable, and automatic online backup solution with |
| encryption key (password) with Carbonite. But | | | | unlimited storage space for the very reasonable price |
| remember, the only way to access to your data is | | | | of $54.95 per year. With no new interface to learn, |
| with this key. So, if you utilize this advanced feature | | | | and its automated features, it should definitely be |
| make sure that you keep your key somewhere | | | | considered by technophobes and beginners. However, |
| safe--no key, no data. | | | | it maintains a good level of customization options for |
| Some advanced online backup services offer what is | | | | the more advanced user. Did we mention that it |
| called "geo-redundancy". This means that your data | | | | costs just $54.95 per year for unlimited storage? |
| will be stored at more than one data center location. | | | | |