Carbonite

Bottom line: Excellent and comprehensive online backup with easy remote file access, exclusive discount
MyPCBackup

Bottom line: Unique combination of unlimited backup, file syncing across computers, cloud storage and external drive backup
Mozy

Bottom line: Great low-cost online backup with exclusive discount; can back up external drives
LiveDrive Backup

Bottom line: Simple and cheap backup that lets you use unlimited storage space for one computer; nice service for backing things up on the go
SugarSync

Bottom line: Best combination of online backup, cloud storage and multi-device sync; free 30-day trial
JustCloud

Bottom line: Easy to use unlimited backup for one computer, external drive backup and multiple-system syncing abilities
SpiderOak

Bottom line: Most secure, customizable, streamlined file backup for advanced users
SOS Online Backup

Bottom line: Packed with new features, includes 5 computers and local backup; nice interface, savvy mobile apps, and social media backup
IDrive

Bottom line: Solid backup with a lot of configurability; no mobile app access or file sharing
ElephantDrive

Bottom line: Solid online backup with file sharing and the ability to back up to 3 computers, though the interface is not the best
Norton Online Backup

Bottom line: Fast and transparent browser-based backup with file sharing; infrequent backup schedule
IBackup

Bottom line: Geared towards businesses; Exchange and SQL backups; compliance for financial, medical companies
Dropbox

Bottom line: Well-priced solution for file sharing and collaborative work; not true automated backup solution

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If my hard drive crashes, do I have to reinstall each program?

April 15th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: If I back up my system with Carbonite and my hard drive crashes, do I have to reinstall each software program in addition to the backup recovery or is everything recovered without having to manually reinstall each program?

A: Carbonite backs up all the files in your Documents and Settings folder by default. This includes data files and settings for your software applications. You can add other items, including programs, to your Carbonite backup. However, this does not mean that in the event of a hard drive crash, Carbonite can restore your software with the touch of a button. You will still have to individually reinstall each program, either way. So while it is possible to use Carbonite to back up your software, it may not be particularly useful for you, and your daily backup will most likely take significantly longer.

To learn more about Carbonite and other online backup services, see our reviews and comparison chart.

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