Online backup is becoming a more common backup solution. It differs from
most other backup solutions because it doesn’t involve the actual use of
physical media such as disks or drives. You are storing your files at a remote
location via the internet. This keeps your files particularly safe, because
once they are stored there is nothing you can do to them. You can’t
accidentally write over the disk, or break the disk, and it isn’t susceptible
to things such as fire or theft.
In order to use online backup, you’re going to need to find an online backup
service. There are quite a few of these out there, and the number is growing.
When you set up an account with one of these companies, you are given a
specific amount of storage space on their online server. You can then log onto
this server and store however much data their service allows.
Most online backup services are only going to offer a few megabytes of
storage at best, so online backup isn’t the solution for total hard drive
backups. However, if you are only looking to backup key files or you want to
give extra protection to some of your files, it is an excellent way to go.
Online backup services are generally easy to use, no more difficult than
browsing the internet. Some even offer automatic backup routines, which will
automatically backup the data you want backed up onto the online server without
you having to do anything. The services cost normally between 10 and 20 dollars
a month to use.
Data Storage Space: About 100 megabytes to 5 megabytes, depending on
service
Ease of Use: Generally easy to use, depends on service
Physical Storage: No physical storage
Reusability: Reusable
Cost: Average between $10 and $20, depends on service