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MyPCBackup Review: Online Cloud Backup |
| Sign up for MyPCBackup | |
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| Unique combination of unlimited backup, file syncing across computers, cloud storage and external drive backup | |
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MyPCBackup is one of many online backup services that boast a low-interference desktop client and an intuitive online remote access site. Like our top-rated service, Carbonite, it gives you unlimited storage space so you can ultimately backup your entire computer and then some. MyPCBackup also has a great mobile app that allows you to access your files anywhere, and a new file sharing feature that we will discuss later in the review. And now this great service can be used with Mac computers as well, maybe they should change their name to MyPCandMacBackup!
Setup Immediately after signing up, there will be a pop up that asks you to install the program. Simultaneously, a girl begins introducing you to the MyPCBackup site; so don't be alarmed if your computer suddenly starts speaking to you. After installation, you will be asked to login with your username and password in order to open the program. You will be given two options: to backup the "My Documents" folder, which is recommended, or the more advanced option of doing a manual selection. Initially, MyPCBackup will only backup files that are up to 2 MB; however, you can go back to your desktop client and change the backup selection in the settings section. MyPCBackup also allows you to backup an external hard drive, but make sure it is connected to your computer when the backup runs. Interface The desktop client is intuitive and shows you how much space you have used (not that it matters - you have unlimited storage!), how many files have been backed up, your last backup, your next backup, and whether the backups are on an hourly or daily schedule. You can change the backup schedule from daily to hourly, but this will cost you an extra $19.99 a year (usually $39.99 but they are offering a 50% limited time discount). Regardless of the schedule though, you can always go in and do a manual backup. Note: If you signed up for the 14-day free trial, MyPCBackup will alert you of how many files on your computer are still "at risk" and urge you to sign up to be fully protected. You will also get pop-up notifications informing you that if you refer a friend to the service, you will get $50. TUTORIAL: How to Restore Your Computer with MyPCBackup for the PC Remote Access Using MyPCBackup from the web to access your files from another computer is also easy. After logging into your account, you will see all of the computers that you have backed up. Note that MyPCBackup charges users an extra $24.95 per year (About $2 per month) to backup additional computers. Other services such as SpiderOak and SugarSync allow you to backup an unlimited number of computers; however, they do not come with unlimited backup storage like MyPCBackup. Thus, the $24.95 per extra computer may be a better value for you depending on how many files you need to back up. From the initial web screen, click "View my backed up files" and your backed up files will appear. There are other useful features on the site including an event log that shows your recent file activity, all of your account backup details, and access to your sync folder. Sync Folder The Sync Folder is a great feature that is similar to SugarSync or DropBox. We like it because it combines some of the functionality of those services with an easy-to-use online backup service. The sync folder comes with 1 GB of free space, and should you need more, an extra space upgrade is available — at a cost of course. The sync folder is like any regular folder on your computer, except it allows you to sync files to other computers. This is very useful especially since you are able to use the Sync Folder even if you haven't paid an additional fee to backup more computers. You can access the Sync Folder from the desktop or remotely from the website. The Sync Folder works in real time, so it automatically updates. If a file is backed up and changed, previous versions of the file are available in the Sync Folder as well. This is helpful because it augments MyPCBackup's somewhat limited default versioning. With MyPCBackup, you get free unlimited file versioning for 7 days; however for 30 days it costs an extra $17.95 per year and $49.99 per year if you want unlimited file ver Sign up for MyPCBackup | Compare to Other Online Cloud Backup |
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| Cheapest Price: | $4.95/mo (w/ 2 year plan) |
| Free Trial/ Discount: | 14-day free trial; Save up to 50% w/ annual plans |
| Gigabytes (GB) of Storage Included: | Unlimited |
| # of Computers Backed Up: | 1; $2.08/mo per add'l computer |
| External Drive Backup: | Yes |
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