Podcast 1: Online Backup vs Hard Drive Backups

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Online backup vs hard drive backups – that is the question. The truth be told, they are both excellent solutions for backing up your computer files and data. Each has its pros and cons and neither one is a panacea to your backup needs. In this podcast, I talk about each type of backup solution and which one I recommend. Here is some of the information I cover:

Online Backup:
This is when you backup your files by uploading them to a remote, secured server via the Internet.

Here are the positives of this type of backup solution:
1. Protection from data loss
2. Your files and data are kept safely “offsite” so you’re protected from computer theft and local disasters like fires and flooding
3. Online backup services are convenient and affordable
4. Your files are securely stored at all times

Here are the negatives:
1. Slight risk relying on another company
2. Slight risk of having your files and data compromised
3. Restoring and retrieving files can take longer than hard drive backups

Hard Drive and Other Onsite Backup Solutions:
This is when you backup your computer by copying files and data to an extra internal hard drive or external hard drive (or to CD’s).

Here are the positives of this type of backup solution:
1. Instant and easy access to your files and data
2. Peace of mind knowing your files and data are in your physical possession

Here are the negatives:
1. Your hard drive used for back ups can crash just like your computer!
2. Having your files and data stored locally can be at risk for theft and other disasters like fires and floods

So which one do I recommend? I recommend both online backup and hard drive backups. I backup my files using a 500GB external hard drive and I use Carbonite online backup.