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Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
As many of you may already know, we're giving away ten Livedrive accounts this month (see http://dpnow.com/7558.html) and an Apple iPad, and so I'm interested to know how DPNow visitors who already use online storage and backup services get on with them. Do you have any useful advice or tips?
Re: Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
I looked into online storage some time ago, and as Ian has already highlighted with Livedrive, the main problem is the time it takes to upload large amounts of data. The large sizes of data stored these days make it both expensive and impractical for the average user to use online storage.
However when it comes to key files and documents 2-3GB may well be enough. I have mentioned on this forum before and have been using Dropbox for some time now. You get 2GB of space free and can get extra by recommending others if they take up the invitation.
Dropbox enables me not only to store key files and docs, but also transfer relatively large documents, zip files etc to friends family and clients. I will infact be uploading 2 jobs to Dropbox today. I can then generate a public link and email it to the client so they can download it.
I can create a shared folder with someone else and anything I put in that folder is automatically sent to them.
Using a Mac, I also have a small prog called Silverkeeper, which sends my accounts data file to a specified Dropbox folder on my HD, this is then automatically uploaded to the online space and transferred to my Laptop when its switched on. So data files can be synced with all your machines as well as be stored online, now that's beautiful.
Apart from a few details, that is pretty much exactly how I am using it Stephen. Not mailing CD's or flash drives to people anymore.
Well if anyone fancies an invite to sign up with Dropbox, I'll happily oblige and we will both get an extra 256mb for free. Just send me an email address
Re: Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
I don't know if DropBox and Livedrive consider each other competitors or not. The Livedrive service is aimed at users wishing to back-up relatively large quantitities of data and to syncronise folder contents at one or more locations.
DropBox seems to me to be more of a convenience service for distributing smaller quantities of data?
I don't know if DropBox and Livedrive consider each other competitors or not. The Livedrive service is aimed at users wishing to back-up relatively large quantitities of data and to syncronise folder contents at one or more locations.
DropBox seems to me to be more of a convenience service for distributing smaller quantities of data?
Ian
No, don't think so, 50GB is $99/year and 100GB is $199/year. However as I said earlier it maybe more convenient for those who want to store or distribute relatively small quantities, I'm just uploading 30mb, too much to email, but easy to upload to a Dropbox folder that can only be accessed if you have the URL
Re: Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
I have also tried Carbonite. This offers unlimited backup for 55 dollars. Its more of a complete backup offering and allows you to access your files wherever you are. There is a 1 month free trial, but that gave me a bad experience when I decided not to buy in. There is a Carbonite icon that sits on the task bar and it seemed to stay there when the program was deleted. I eventually found a solution which entailed following some third party instructions which got rid of it.........most annoying as Carbonite were no help.
Re: Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
DropBox is great for sharing and distributing small collections of files, especially as it can be used for free. But I honestly think more sophisticated services are better for larger amounts of storage. I don't think DropBox offers a drive letter or 'network drive' functionality for online folders and files, and I don't think you can synchronise folders across several computers locally with an online store. Livedrive can do these.
Re: Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
Haven't bitten the bullet yet to use online backup. I make backups to an external HD on my desk and once in a month or so another backup to a second HD that I stow away in the garage. The thought behind this is: theft and fire are the greatest threats. My garage is separated from the house, so they're not likely to burn down at the same time. Taking a HD to work is too much of a hassle.
Best regards, Ad.
My pictures Panasonic GH2, G1, glass - Nikon D300s, less glass
Re: Online storage/backup solutions - what do you use?
They are doing 1tb 2.5 inch drives now, they fit in your pocket, where is the hassle?
Saying that, Ive been into computers since the old acorn electron, and touch my old grey matter, Ive never had a drive actually totally fail!
I may have just been lucky, but depending on usage and aslong as you dont move them around while the drive is spinning are very durable things.
Maybe we all being a bit panicky about the whole backup situation!
They are doing 1tb 2.5 inch drives now, they fit in your pocket, where is the hassle?
The hassle is not so much in the size as in not forgetting to take the drive home to update the backup and return it back to work again. Maybe I should just buy two of these drives and swap them once a week or so.
Best regards, Ad.
My pictures Panasonic GH2, G1, glass - Nikon D300s, less glass
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