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5 May 2011 By ABradney-George

Traditional And Online Data Backup Compared

5 May

Trying to decide between traditional and online data backup options? Read on to see how these systems work.

When it comes to computer problems, there are few things worse than losing important files and work off a hard drive. Fortunately there are a lot of options available for both localized and online data backup.

While online data backup is quickly moving to the forefront of remote data backup options, it is good to have an understanding of the options available. In some cases it may be worthwhile to use more than one form of data backup, and the following options should all be considered before making a final decision on local and online backup options.

Portable Hard Drives

Anyone using more than one computer is probably familiar with portable hard drives, and companies like Western Digital and Seagate have successfully built their reputations around a range of portable hard drives. Although often considered as more of a portable storage device than a backup system, these mini hard drives can play a big part in data backup. At a very basic level, users can manually backup whatever files they would like by simply transferring them to a portable hard drive, but they are also useful when it comes to using backup software.

Backup Utilities and Software

Backup utilities and software have a range of options for data backup, with the most popular software encouraging the use of portable hard drives or other removable storage options. Some backup utilities, such as Apple's Time Machine, are included in the computer software packages, while others like DT Utilities PC Backup Pro are available for purchase and may include additional features. Users can set up a backup schedule that suits them, and then simply attach a removable storage device and let the program backup the entire system, or select specific folders which will then be copied and compressed for storage.

Online Data Backup

Like portable hard drives, online data backup options can be used to manually save files and folders, and well as in conjunction with backup software. Some services, such as IDrive Online Backup also include options to customize the backup schedule and review data reports. The benefits of online data backup include secure storage with encryption options, continuous backup, potential access to files from different computers, and users do not need to purchase other storage devices.

The popularity of online data backup has sparked a growing number of backup software products designed exclusively for online use. Companies as big as Apple, Norton and Genie all have online data backup options, yet there are also products that are helping make a name for less known companies. The popularity of Elephant Drive Home Backup, Carbonite PC Backup and Acronis Backup and Security are establishing the competitive nature of online data backup. This means that services can only improve as each company vies for the number one spot.

Whatever the need, these options are all worth considering for protection against data loss. In some cases it may even be worthwhile to use a range of options, because both localized and online data backup have their pros and cons. In the end, comparing what is available is the first step towards better data storage and protection.