Learning and Leading - Feburary 2013

BUYER’Sguide

Online backup services duplicate your files, update them, and store them for you. This type of cloud computing offers many advantages over traditional methods of file backup.

Automatic Backups Rather than having to remember to copy files, many backup services do this for you, as long as you remember to connect your computer to the internet. You can set the frequency as well as the selection of files you want to back up. The application runs in the background while you work. Note that some online cloud storage services, such as Dropbox, store files but do not have automatic backup systems.

Security

Online backup services store your data on secure servers. All of the services listed here use data encryption during transmission and when files are stored. It is also important to use a strong password that includes upper- and lowercase letters and special characters, such as the dollar sign. Never use something obvious, like your name.

Your entire collection of documents transfer to the cloud the first time you back up your files. For subsequent backups, just the modifications and additions get copied to save time and space.

Data Syncing
Most services permit you to
sync files among multiple de-
vices. This allows you and
your students to work on a
document at school, and then
continue working on it at
home. If you need to share a
file larger than your backup
service allows, you will need
to use a service such as Trans-
ferBigFiles.com, Send ThisFile.
com, or MailBigFile.com.

File Retrieval If you accidentally delete a file, your hard drive fails, or your computer is damaged or stolen, you can easily find the most recent version of a specific file or even restore the entire contents of your hard drive. The ease of locating and restoring files is an important feature to explore before you choose which service to use. Download time will vary depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Storage and Cost

Many services offer a limited amount of space for free. Others offer free storage for a trial period before requiring payment. Most companies base their fees on the amount of storage you want. Discounts come with longer commitments, and payments are usually monthly.

Online backup systems are worth the minimal cost, however. They are easy to use, automated, secure, and provide peace of mind for you and your students. And that is priceless.