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(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/computer_cartoon NULL.jpg)      One of the biggest issues any tech faces, is getting a call from a client or family or a friend(usually in a panic state) involving a “critical” server, pc, or laptop that has stopped working that has information that they “desperately” need and they need ‘NOW”.  Then when you ask, “do you have a backup of your computer”, you get a puzzled voice and either “I don’t know” or “Can’t you fix it without a backup” (both mean that they aren’t doing backups). 

     The 2nd version of that scenario a tech will face, involves someone who does backup, but as soon as they finish the backup they leave the backup right next to the pc they just backed up.  Then wouldn’t you know it, the building catches fire, a disgruntle employee does something to the tapes, they suffer theft (so that not only the computer is stolen but their recovery is stolen as well) or many other possible situations where that backup file is deleted or destroyed, so that when you need it, you can’t use it.  This causes basically the same problem as not doing a back up. 

     So with that being said, computer best practices is that you should have 2 backups.

1 – A local backup that is done to DVD, External Hard, or some other media outside of the computer.

2 – A copy that is kept away from your home or place of business.

- This could include mailing a copy of your computer files on external hard drive or other media to a family member or friend outside your home. Not really helpful, as you should keep your backup up to date so sending your files to someone one else could be more hassle than you may want to deal with.

- Using an Online backup service to keep your information for you.  For a very low cost, the information from your computer is uploaded to a secure site (all major Online backup services offer some form of encryption to protect your data).

     There are many services that you can pick for your online solution, all with their pros and cons, among the most known are Mozy (LINK http://mozy.com/ (http://mozy NULL.com/)) , Carbonite (LINK http://www.carbonite.com/default.aspx (http://www NULL.carbonite NULL.com/default NULL.aspx)), and iDrive (LINK http://www.idrive.com/index.html (http://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/index NULL.html)). You have many other choices but we will focus on these 3 as they are the most commonly used backup services. 

All 3 have secure data transfer and encryption. All 3 include simple to setup and use software for your backup. All 3 have the ability to let you verify your files that have been backed up. All 3 services offer a Windows and a Mac version.

Another benefit with iDrive and Mozy is that they have a completely free version if you need to backup files that are less than 2 gigs total size (Right click on your files and then left click on properties to see what size your file is, keep in mind that your size may be represented like (2,000,000,000 bytes) which is 2 gigs).  So if its just a handful of documents,pictures, etc and the total is less than 2 gigs you really have no excuse to backup.

The price from the 3 services is similar, with the exception that Carbonite charges you yearly and will give a discount if you buy 2 or 3 years at once.  Mozy offers either a yearly charge (with a discount for multiple year purchase) or a monthly service, and iDrive charges users per month. 

The other important thing to keep in mind when using any online backup service is how much space are they offering for the price, how much they charge if you need to go past the allowed space, and what do they allow you to upload.  Some services do not allow for audio or video files, other services change you a lot of money if you go past your given space size. In the case of iDrive, Carbonite, and Mozy all standard files are allowed, and only iDrive has a limit on total backup size (which is either 150 gigs for a home user or 500 gigs for their 5-pack service).

     As a previous user of Carbonite, having clients who I have set up Mozy for and a current user of iDrive, I can say that you wont go wrong in selecting any of these 3 services. However with that said the overall choice for TGM is iDrive*, based on the 5-pack offering (LINK https://www.idrive.com/online-backup-general-faq.htm#8 (https://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/online-backup-general-faq NULL.htm#8)).  If you have multiple pc’s and these days who doesn’t, being able to back all of them up, based on 1 account for the cost of $14.95 a month  (Making backing up 5 pc’s a total of $2.99 a month each). Keep in mind that the 5 family computers don’t have to be in the same house, so for those of you who do tech for your family, this may just be a great family gift.

     With the fact that iDrive is our recommendation to clients, friends and family, TGM is now an iDrive partner.  As a new partner we don’t have any additional benefits to signing up from our link, but if enough TGM readers sign up using the link, TGM will see if we can get some additional benefits for our readers.

(http://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/p=techgeekandmore)

*TGM recommendations are based on using the products alone.