The Search for a Free Auto-Online Backup Service

The Search for a Free Auto-Online Backup Service

Nikhil Rastogi, Sep 13, 2009 0900 hrs IST

We look at how to automatically backup precious data online at zero cost

The speed is dependent more on your internet service rather than the backup service. I say this because the iDrive servers are fast enough but your internet upload will be slower than your download speed in most cases.

In terms of backup speed, iDrive backs up every 10 mins and automatically recognizes changes and only syncs changes online. This means two things, your internet bandwidth is going to be used much more and iDrive offers versioning up to 30 versions, so you can go back and retrieve the file even if it's deleted or a recent change has ruined things for you. Also, cancelling a sync with the server doesn't destroy the upload to the server. In fact, iDrive is smart enough to start from where it left off.

iDrive uses two encryption methods, one 128bit SSL encryption for transferring data to and fro from the server, and 256-bit AES encryption on data storage itself.

For further details on the nitty-gritty's check out the comparison page here. Click on the down arrow of each feature to understand what it means.

Pricing wise iDrive is quite competitive with 150GB for personal use for $50 (Rs. 2,500) while 50GB for Business for $100 (Rs. 5,000). The immense difference can be understood on the comparison page.

iDrive seems to fit the bill for my friend. No other service comes as close to the four hard requirements/limitations placed before me. Other services serve the same benefit as any online backup, 2GB free space but varying levels of encryption, scheduling and web interfaces.

Other services worth considering are;

Windows SkyDrive (25 GB Free, 50MB per file size limit, no scheduling)
ADrive (50 GB Free, no scheduling, no versioning)
Mozy (448-bit Blowfish encryption)
Drive HQ
Box.net
iBackup (by the same fellows from iDrive)
Carbonite
Memopal (backs up data in three different continents)

Unfortunately, I did not get the time to look into all of these backup services, but do give us your feedback about which of these is your favorite and why? And also if I missed any.

Do you agree with this aritcle?

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Discussion Board

(8) Comments

Nikhil Duggal

,Bombay, on Sep 18, 2009 11:53 AM

Have been using A Drive. Its less of scheduling and more of manually backing up files. Buy hey! Its 50GB of online storage space absolutely FREE. So no complaints!!

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VIJAY

,SIVAKASI, on Sep 17, 2009 11:38 PM

I LIKE YOUR SERVICE

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Martin

,Bangalore, on Sep 17, 2009 11:33 AM

Title reads "The Search for a Free Auto-Online Backup Service" and just one review. Change it to "iDrive review".

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Bob L

,Melbourne, on Sep 17, 2009 09:47 AM

Securing your data is very important. It does take some nasty experience for us to take backing up our data seriously. Backing up locally to an external hard drive or an USB key should be complimented by backing up your data offsite. Online backup services like SOS Online Backup and IDrive, helps secure your data offsite, safe from viruses, crash, theft or even a natural disaster.

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sri

,chennai, on Sep 13, 2009 11:06 PM

i am using microsoft sky drive it is safe and more space it has a tool to upload photo etc....

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ARUN

,SHIKOHABAD, on Sep 13, 2009 01:09 PM

i will use this

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sanjay kr pande

,Robertsganj, on Sep 13, 2009 12:35 PM

it iis good