How Many Files can I Backup with MyPCBackup?
January 30th, 2012 - Posted by polina
Q: When backing up my computer with MyPCBackup, how large and how many files can be uploaded at once? I have a picture directory with 10,000 files or so. Can I upload this directory all at once?
A: Thanks for your question! The biggest perk of MyPCBackup is that you get unlimited storage space for one computer. Thus, no matter how many files you have, photos in your case, you can back them all up with your one basic subscription. You can definitely backup your directory all at once, but this might take a while. The upload time isn't a big deal though since you can continue using your computer while your files are safely being stored.
Another service that lets you backup an unlimited amount of files for one computer is the top rated Carbonite. To compare all of our online backup services, click here!
Is Dropbox HIPAA Compliant?
November 16th, 2011 - Posted by polina
Q: Is Dropbox HIPAA Compliant?
A: HIPAA, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is meant to address the security and privacy of health data. Because the electronic transfer of health data is much more efficient and effective, HIPAA requirements strive to create safe standards for these practices.
Unfortunately, according to the Dropbox Help page, they currently do not have this certification.
However, there are a handful of online backup services that are HIPAA compliant. Carbonite and Mozy, two of our highest-rated online backup services, both comply with HIPAA standards. Read more about HIPAA compliant online backup services here.
Want more online backup options? Click here to compare them all.
Which Online Backup Services are HIPAA Compliant?
November 1st, 2011 - Posted by polina
Q: Which online backup services are HIPAA compliant?
A: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) not only protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families, but is also meant to address the security and privacy of health data. Because the electronic transfer of health data is much more efficient and effective, HIPAA requirements strive to create safe standards for these practices.
There are a handful of online backup services that are HIPAA compliant. Carbonite and Mozy, two of our highest-rated online backup services, both comply with HIPAA standards.
Another service that really stands out is IBackup. Though it isn't exactly at the top of our list, businesses, particularly those in the legal, health, or financial fields, will want to give IBackup serious consideration. IBackup's business-level services help businesses backup their MS SQL server databases and Exchange servers. Of course, they also boast support for HIPAA and a number of other compliance issues relating to business. The service, like various other online backup providers, also lets you set your own private encryption key, for all plans.
Always make sure that the online backup service you choose follows all of the regulations necessary to support your business, and always feel free to call their customer support!
Will Carbonite Backup a Flash Drive Connected to Your Computer?
October 19th, 2011 - Posted by polina
Q: Will Carbonite backup a flash drive that is connected to your computer?
A: Unfortunately, the current version of Carbonite only backs up files that reside on permanent hard drives in your computer. This means that you cannot backup external hard drives or flash drives. However, if you ever need to back up a file that is on your flash, simply move that file onto your computer.
MyPCBackup, another one of our highly rated online backup services, backs up external drives and flash drives at no additional cost. Just make sure it is connected to your computer when the backup runs and you are good to go! Mozy also does it for free but specifies that it only backs up drives that are "fixed", meaning that flash drives will not be backed up.
In general, the best way to confirm the backup of your flash drive's files is to manually copy them onto your computer. Then when you do your next backup, those files are bound to be saved!
Does Carbonite Save My Backed Up Files if My Service Lapsed?
October 6th, 2011 - Posted by polina
Q: My Carbonite service has lapsed, can I renew it? Will Carbonite still have my backed up files from about 6 months ago?
A: Carbonite offers subscriptions of 1 to 3 years. After your subscription has expired, you have 30 days to renew it. Carbonite keeps all of your data (that was backed up within the 1 to 3 year period) only within this 30 day grace period. After 30 days, they remove the backed up data and it will not be available for restore. Note that Carbonite will notify its users when their account is approaching expiration; however, if you choose the "renew automatically" option on your account, Carbonite will renew your service for you by charging your credit card before your subscription expires. In relation to service renewal, SpiderOak also renews your subscription automatically — no need to manually re-subscribe.
SugarSync, another top-rated online backup service, allows you to restore files when you re-install the program on a computer where it was already been previously installed. SugarSync detects that the software was previously installed, and the installation process changes automatically to give you a choice: "Do you want to restore the Sync Folders that were selected in the previous installation?" No need to worry about your old files being lost forever.
Does Carbonite Only Back Up Your Files Once a Year?
October 5th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: Does Carbonite only back up your files once a year or does it do it periodically?
A: Excellent question! When you first install Carbonite on your computer, it will give you the choice to back up all of your Documents/Settings and User files or to select which files you would like to back up. If you want more than just your Documents/Settings and User files backed up (which do not include emails), we would suggest choosing the option that lets you select which files to back up. You can always add files to back up at any time once Carbonite is installed.
Once you choose which files you want to back up, Carbonite will do a one-time all-inclusive back up of all of those files, transferring all your encrypted files over a secure network. After all of your files are on the Carbonite servers, the system will continue to back up any new versions of those files if you make any changes to them. The software uses Volume Shadowcopy Service, which keeps a copy of files that you have open so that they can easily be backed up once they are modified. And the best part is that all of Carbonite’s back up services run quietly in the background, so that you never have to worry about back ups interrupting your work. If you want to know more about Carbonite, read our review here.
I Just Got Another PC, How Can I Get all my Files and Emails from Carbonite?
October 4th, 2011 - Posted by polina
Q: I Just Got Another PC, How Can I Get all my Files and Emails from Carbonite?
A: Congratulations on your new computer! If you have Carbonite 4.0, there is a restore option that allows you to put all of your files in the right place on your new system.
From your new PC, go to the Carbonite website and log into your account. Here you will see a list of all the computers under your account, as well as all of the files. If you want to restore every file onto your new system, click Restore for the specific backup you want to transfer. From the pop-up box, click Complete Restore. Note that if you used Outlook on your retired PC and kept it connected to "documents and settings", your emails will be restored as well.
How secure is Carbonite online backup?
September 27th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: How secure is Carbonite? I am very concerned about a companies' ability to keep my data safe and secure if I am going to store my data off-site in this way. I don't see this mentioned here or discussed in comparison to other companies.
A: Carbonite, like most other top-ranked online backup companies, has an elaborate system for keeping your data safe. First, Carbonite encrypts all of your files on your own computer before copying them over to their servers through a secure SSL connection, which further encrypts and secures your information. Carbonite also utilized RAID 6, which is a complicated program of organizing your data to better protect. The Carbonite File System, where your data is stored, has further encryption and security features to help keep your data safe. Carbonite employees also do not have access to your information, adding an extra layer of security.
Most of the other top online backup companies use similar encryption techniques to protect your data, so you should be safe regardless of which of the top online backup companies you choose. If you want more information about any of those companies, please visit our Online Backup review page.
I have a small gift shop in Elkhorn, Neb. I just bought a new computer and am interested in knowing how to back it up off site.
September 15th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: I have a small gift shop in Elkhorn, Neb. I just bought a new computer and am interested in knowing how to back it up off site.
A: If you are only looking to back up one computer, then Carbonite is the best value for you. The service offers unlimited storage on one computer for $53.10/year, which is cheaper than most other reputable services that have a storage cap. And the service is easy to use, supports both PCs and Macs, and gives you more options than other services. This is the best value for any one-computer home or business.
If you are looking for a service for more than one computer, or think you might expand at some point, then Mozy offers the best value. While the standard service is slightly more expensive than Carbonite and has a 50 GB data cap, adding additional computers only costs you $2 more a month, as opposed to Carbonite which requires a new plan for each additional computer. Mozy also supports both PCs and Macs.
If your main concern is not value or you are looking for other specific options, you can use our Online Backup Chooser to help choose the best backup service for you. Answer a few questions about your needs and the Chooser will select the best plans to fit your needs.
I need info for backing up my computers. I have 5 offices and 6 computers to backup. We have about 300 GB of storage currently, with about a GB coming and going each day for 5 days a week. Can you help me out?
September 9th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: I need info for backing up my computers. I have 5 offices and 6 computers to backup. We have about 300 GB of storage currently, with about a GB coming and going each day for 5 days a week. Can you help me out?
A: Well, you have a couple of options. Carbonite offers both individual plans and small business plans, both that could work for you. They end up being around the same price, so it depends on what works best for your business needs.
With the individual plan, you can buy a year subscription for each computer at $53.10, with the NextAdvisor discount, which would total $318.60, and comes with unlimited storage. If you buy the 2- or 3-year plan, it will save you more. (2-year plan = $310.65/yr; 3-year plan = $278/yr)
With the small business plan, you can cover an unlimited amount of computers for the same $318, but you are limited to 350 GB of storage. (This combines the standard 250 GB plan for $229/yr with the 100 GB add-on for $89/yr.) So it basically comes down to whether you want unlimited storage or unlimited computer coverage. If you are unsure, Carbonite offers a free 30-day trial that will help you determine how much storage space your business will need.

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