"My computer won't crash.” Like most things, your computer has a certain life span. Like a human being, it also has its annoying quirks and vulnerabilities. Despite claims of the so-called anti-virus programs, the dreaded virus sometimes finds its way into your computer consequently ruining or corrupting its data files. Worse, either its motherboard or CPU (Central Processing Unit) quits for unknown reasons leaving you confused, frustrated, and angry.No doubt with a competent technician you can get it working again, but once its stored data is corrupted or lost, there is nothing you can do to recover it completely.  You may be able to salvage some, but why wait for that unfortunate circumstance to happen?

If you value the data stored in your computer, then 'don't risk it', back up. If you have a good backup, you can easily restore the files to replace the ones that were corrupted or accidentally deleted.  With so many unfortunate things happening around these days, storing the backup elsewhere is probably the way to go. Some would nix that sort of arrangement citing that access to the backup hinges on availability of the provider's server and, of course, internet connectivity. This is definitely a well-founded argument, but considering that there is always a caveat to everything these days that should be the least of your concerns.

Where should you have the backup done and stored?  Surely, there are many backup service providers waiting to have you as a subscriber.. There is Mozy, for instance, offering features that would readily satisfy your data backup requirements and needs.  What should be uppermost in your mind as you decide who to go with are the important features that would best suit and complement your computing needs.

• Security. This addresses issues concerning (1) privacy and (2) integrity. In online backup infrastructure, security is associated with (1) 'SSL' [Secure Socket Layer] encrypted channel used to prevent data from being read and intercepted during the transmission process, and (2) file 'fingerprinting' technology used to check unwarranted file duplication ensuring that data set to be transmitted is the same data that reaches its planned and assigned destination, vice versa.
• Ease of Use refers to how user-friendly is the backup process in terms of its operating guidelines whether it is fully automatic or manual which requires regular user intervention. Most importantly, does the 'restore strategy' allow for quick access anytime, anywhere, and will the restored data be usable? If it is not, then the backup is useless. In the same vein, if the restore strategy is too complex and time-consuming, the 'hassles' may far outweigh the associated benefits.
• Platform and File Support relate to the provider's ability to backup varying platforms i.e. Windows, Macintosh, Linux/Unix, etc.; applications like SQL, Exchange, Network Drive; and the allowable length of time to enable data-restoration. Also of utmost concern, does the service back up frequently left open files such as Outlook files (*.pst) or SQL database files and locked files _ closed thus not available to users. Likewise, does the service enable backup in open and standard formats making recovery in another program or software possible?
• Affordability points to how the backup service is priced which is usually based on the size of the data being backed up, versions used, number of machines involved, length of data retention, and whether it is managed or not. Sometimes changes in your computer system's configuration or data files interfere with the backup process rendering the backup useless. With a managed service, you would receive 'Backup Validation' verifying compliance with the different regulatory measures or backup requirements subsequently minimizing the occurrence of unusable backup.

Nothing is more comforting than the assurance and knowledge that should something bad happen to your beloved computer, you can have your files back for your use again. So backup your files as soon as possible before your computer goes out on strike!

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