| So you're finally beginning to realize you need online | | | | your computer. Some online backup services will back |
| backup. But you are a bit nervous. What happens? | | | | up all your files, others will offer you the choice of |
| What do you need to do? And what becomes of | | | | what files to back up. In most cases, a marker will |
| your precious data? | | | | appear on the files that have been backed up. |
| Well there's really nothing to be nervous about. The | | | | 4. The online backup can only take place while you |
| process doesn't require any technical knowledge on | | | | are connected to the Internet. If you can leave your |
| your part. And actually it hardly requires any work | | | | computer on while the initial backup is taking place, |
| from you either. | | | | that's fine - but if you need to switch off, don't |
| | | | worry. It will just continue the process when you |
| 1. You decide what online backup service to use, and | | | | switch back on. |
| then sign up on their site and provide your card | | | | 5. Once the initial backup is completed, the service will |
| details. You will either choose your password, or be | | | | scan your computer every day for new files to back |
| provided with your unique ID - this will be your key | | | | up. It won't get in your way at all - it will just work |
| to retrieving your data, so keep it safe. | | | | away in the background. Again, you can click on the |
| 2. A good online backup service will offer you a free | | | | icon at any time to check whether the backup for |
| trial period first. Although they take your card details, | | | | the day is pending, in progress, or complete. |
| they won't take your money until you give the | | | | 6. During the free trial period, it's a good idea to log |
| go-ahead at the end of the trial period. (If they don't | | | | on to the online backup service from a different |
| offer a free trial, they must at least offer a cast-iron | | | | computer, using your unique ID. You will be able to |
| money-back guarantee period.) They will start | | | | see how easy it is to access your data, and how |
| backing up your data as soon as you sign up and | | | | easy it is to retrieve it. This can help you decide |
| most services provide an icon on your computer, so | | | | whether to continue with the service or not. |
| you can click to check if the backup is taking place or | | | | Does this sound too technical, or too much like hard |
| not. | | | | work? Thought not! It's really not too much to do to |
| 3. The initial online backup will probably take several | | | | find peace of mind, is it? |
| days, depending on how much data you have on | | | | |