| Just about everyone who has a computer (from | | | | requirements are Mozy and Carbonite. |
| students to executives) have unfortunately suffered | | | | 2. Conduct background research thoroughly. Make |
| data loss at one time or another. This data loss could | | | | sure that any online company that you are |
| have been caused by a power surge, computer virus, | | | | considering hiring, has up-to date equipment, |
| a defective hard drive, or simply by a faulty | | | | adequate space, is within your budget, and are |
| software program. In fact, current research suggests | | | | prepared to handle your backup needs. In addition, |
| that one out of every 10 people will lose data at one | | | | make sure that the chosen company has a plan in |
| point or another. Not only is this extremely frustrating | | | | place for recovering data in the case of a natural |
| and inconvenient, it is something that could have | | | | disaster or some other catastrophe. This can be |
| been prevented. In this brief article, we will discuss | | | | done by reviewing the sites website or FAQs or |
| the importance of online data backup services and | | | | contacting their customer service department directly. |
| provide you with tips on choosing an online data | | | | 3. Evaluate their technological features and pricing |
| backup service for you and your needs. | | | | structures. For instance, some feature SSL and |
| Before we begin, let's discuss what is an online data | | | | Blowfish encryption, automatic file detection updates, |
| backup service. An online backup service is a service | | | | and some charge yearly fee whereas others require |
| that stores your data in a remote and secure location | | | | monthly fees. Either way, make sure that you have a |
| so that your information is retrievable in the event of | | | | clear understanding of all features and charges before |
| a loss. In most instances, you install software on your | | | | you become a client. Again both Mozy and Carbonite |
| computer and your data is securely transposed and | | | | offer many of these features. |
| saved. For this service, you pay a monthly or yearly | | | | 4. Evaluate your online backup service periodically and |
| fee in exchange for the peace of mind of knowing | | | | don't be afraid to change providers if needed. Your |
| that your data is safe. | | | | data is too important to be left to chance so it just |
| Now that we know what an online data backup | | | | makes sense to check up on your provider to make |
| service does, let's discuss how to choose one | | | | sure that they are prepared in case of an |
| specifically for your needs. | | | | emergency. |
| 1. When choosing an online data backup service, | | | | In conclusion, choosing an online data backup service |
| make sure that the company is one that has a solid | | | | is extremely important for individuals as well as |
| reputation and experience backing up files. One way | | | | corporations. Therefore, when choosing and online |
| to check this is to conduct online research while | | | | data backup system, makes sure that you choose an |
| paying close attention to make sure that no | | | | online company with a solid reputation, evaluate |
| complaints have been filed by disgruntled clients. You | | | | prospects and packages thoroughly, and change |
| also want to make sure that there are no complaints | | | | providers if needed. By doing this, you will have the |
| with the Better Business Bureau. Two online data | | | | peace of mind of knowing that your data is |
| backup companies that meet these strict | | | | protected, no matter what. |