| There are many options to store and backup your | | | | software takes care of encrypting your files and |
| essential data and files online but there is a significant | | | | uploading them. Once installed and configured the |
| difference between an online backup service and an | | | | backup process is more or less automated. Access |
| online storage service. It is important to realize the | | | | to files in other places on the web are not as easy |
| differences between the two since the features | | | | as a storage service and can be slower to restore |
| differ significantly. | | | | files. Backup services offer more features for backing |
| Online storage solutions are fantastic services to be | | | | up files online, such as backing up locked files, larger |
| able to access your essential documents, | | | | backup space and versioning, but features do vary |
| spreadsheets, photos and other documents no | | | | depending on the service. Leading services include |
| matter where you are. As long as you have some | | | | Mozy, Carbonite, IDrive, ElephantDrive and Backblaze. |
| form of Internet access you can gain access to your | | | | Several services are starting to merge online storage |
| files. These services generally do not offer an | | | | and online backup. Services like SpiderOak, SugarSync |
| automated process for uploading or syncing files | | | | and Memopal offer both backup and storage. They |
| between your computer and their service. While each | | | | allows users to backup data, share files with others |
| service differs slightly they usually offer a web | | | | and access files using a standard web browser. If |
| interface to upload and manage your files. Some do | | | | you are in need of both an online backup solution and |
| offer integration with your desktop file explorer to | | | | a file storage solution SpiderOak, SugarSync or |
| sync files between your desktop and the service. | | | | Memopal might be the perfect solution for you. |
| Some of the leading online storage services include | | | | If you are interested in an online storage service or |
| Box.net, drop.io and Dropbox. Most services offer a | | | | online backup service it is important to evaluate the |
| trial or free version for you to try the service before | | | | different feature sets that each provides. Keep in |
| purchasing a larger package. | | | | mind that online storage is best for people who need |
| Online backup services are designed for backing up | | | | quick access to their most important files from |
| the files on your computer and storing them safely in | | | | multiple computers and or locations. Online backup |
| their storage centers. This is usually done with a | | | | services are best at backing up your data and |
| software client that you need to download after | | | | allowing your to recover it in case of a hard drive |
| signing up and installing on your computer. The client | | | | failure or other disaster. |