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[O141]Online Backup For Linux

by Dan Miller, Dan

The process of backing up one's computer data is a process that, like other forms of insurance, may seem too mundane or unnecessary to bother with - until disaster strikes and it is too late. Years ago, computer data backup software and solutions consisted of some form of external physical media, such as a CD, zip drive, dvd, external hard drive, or tape drive, plus automating software running on the computer.

If you're in the market for a backup solution, consider more modern broadband internet connections and affordable hard drive space to meet your online backup needs. Many online backup services offer plenty of additional space including disaster recovery. The advantage of these services is that the user doesn't need to purchase additional external storage, but rather continue paying for the service on an ongoing basis just like an internet service provider.

Performing a typical backup program can be quite a strain on one's computer compared to using the software client's footprint. However, the speed of the latter method is limited to bandwidth and a large backup can become very time intensive. Traditional methods using external physical media are faster, but can be halted if the Internet connection is lost.

Many of the services offered allow free trials; fees are approximately five dollars per month for a normal subscription, all the way up to hundreds of dollars per year for enterprise subscriptions. At the moment, storage space availability starts at one gigabyte on up to unlimited space. Compared to external media, the user has the option of purchasing much more storage space as they need it.

Some services are geared more towards the Windows operating system, or more towards the Mac operating system. As such, one can expect the restoration of their data to be a smoother process from certain services than others. Many of the online backup services also include various additional functionality, such as photo sharing through the creation of online slideshows, file sharing, and data encryption during the upload process, the download process, as well as for the data storage itself.

Internal hard drives have a natural failure rate. There are various ways in which a hard drive can be endangered, or the stored data can be stolen along with the computer. Therefore, regardless of what service someone opts for, having an operational and regular data backup procedure in place is essential in case such an emergency occurs.

Online backup systems are typically built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, typically once a day. This program collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the remote backup service provider's servers. Other types of product are also available in the market, such as remote continuous data protection (CDP).

Providers of this type of service frequently target specific market segments. High-end LAN-based backup systems may offer services such as near-realtime transaction-level replication or open file backups. Consumer online backup companies frequently have beta software offerings and/or free-trial backup services.

1. No user intervention is required. This can be beneficial in more ways than the obvious. With legacy tape, drive and disk storage devices 1 or more employees need to devote company time to the scheduling and process of daily or weekly backup of multiple points of failure and critical systems. Moreover it was typically not in the employees job description and being solely responsible for the future of the company in the event of a failure can be emotionally cumbersome.

2. Remote Backup Facilities are, as defined, offsite. Although most companies perform some type of backup on the server or workstation level the devices are typically stored onsite and are rarely physically removed to another location. Ironically this doesn't protect against the most brutal data destroyers: fire, theft and other natural disasters.

3. Some Remote Backup Services may work to continuously backup more recent versions of your files, thus you will always have access to the most recently stored copy.

4. Most modern Online Backup Services typically use 128-448 bit encryption and upload and download optimized low bandwidth packages over a secure https connection.

Online backup services are usually priced as a function of the following things:

1. The total amount of data being backed up.

2. The number of workstations or servers connecting to the backup service.

3. The maximum number of versions of each file that are kept.

4. The level of support the Remote Backup Service provides the client.

The fourth of which has been abandoned by the leaders of the pack to compete in the coveted 'Gigs for the Buck' race. If you are new to Remote Backup Services having 100 Gigs of space for half the price won't help you much if you are backing up the wrong files or haven't set up the service properly. There are a few remaining and up-and-comers like absorb.com that cost a bit more, but base their pricing around unsurpassed support and a free remote install.

Remember: No large investment is required for purchasing new equipment. There are no ongoing media costs or staffing costs, residual costs are limited soley to recurring monthly fees. Setup and installation is a simple matter of downloading the software, and takes only a few minutes to set up. Data recovery is equally fast, as there is no searching for the right tape or waiting for IT staff to recover lost data.

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About Author

Both Dan Miller & Xamu Black are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Dan Miller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology, Personal Desktop and Build Muscle. If you're in the market for a backup solution, consider the many services which offer plenty of additional space, and the. Dan Miller's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.

Xamu Black has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Security. . Xamu Black's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.