Remote Backups Using Mozy

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I recently was referred to an online backup service called Mozy. They offer upto 2gig free online remote backups, fully encrypted, with an easy to use interface.

I decided to give it a try since I firmly believe your data should be in “the cloud” that is the internet for the utmost reliability and accessability. I mean backups to tape or an external drive is great, but what happens when your whole house catches on fire and not just the room with your PC? It’s not a very palatable situation. This is where the remote backup solution comes to the rescue.

SETUP

Mozy software download takes about 5 minutes including install. You sign up as a free user [2 Gig] or you can upgrade to unlimited storage for $4.95/month. Either way it’s a great investment. $4.95 is a bargain if you have the need for more storage. The key here is mozy makes it easy and transparent to you. The biggest problem with backups is lack of performing them. Mozy creates a painless way to ensure backups of your important data.

Once you install the mozy client, you decide what types of files to backup. I chose spreadsheets only for my initial test. I wanted to backup and do a restore as a test of the service.

I then took my initial backup. The initial backup will take longer as all the files you chose must be backed up. Subsequent backups will only backup files that have changed with versioning and new files that were created.

RESTORE

One of the great features of mozy is the restore. With the client running all you have to do is right-click on the folder that contained the file you want to restore. With the windows explorer integration you’ll see an option to restore from mozy.

I deleted the files in a folder and right-clicked and restored my files. This is the most intuitive option to restore the files. Alternatively, you can also login to the mozy website and view your backups and restore them through the web. The Windows integration also gives you a 3rd option.

If you click on “My Computer” you will see a Mozy icon.

If you click it you can browse through your directories to the files you want to restore and restore them that way.

Mozy gives you plenty of options. Use what is intuitive and easiest for you.

FREE or INEXPENSIVE

If you don’t need the larger capacity, you can choose to use the free quota of 2gig or upgrade affordably to the unlimited plan for $4.95/month.

You can also earn extra storage quota of 256MB per referral. If you enjoyed this article and would like to try the Mozy service click here to sign up and you will get an additional 256MB of quota for a total of 2.25 Gigs. I will also be rewarded with 256MB of service as well. :o) I write this blog for free, but it’s nice to get some kickback every now and again even if it’s in freebies.

Try this service out. I am sure you will find it a useful tool. I tried the Xdrive service some time back and compared to Xdrive, this service rocks. It’s easier, less intensive on your system, and simple.