Backing up online
Backblaze logo
There’s nothing like losing all of your music, photos, documents and other files due to hardware failure, flood, fire, Gatorade (yes, Gatorade) or any other catastrophe. If only there was a simple and inexpensive way to back up everything without having to actually go through the act of backing up your files. Introducing Backblaze.
Backblaze allows you to backup all of your files, thanks to unlimited storage, online for $5 per month or only $50 per year (that’s two months free!). Not too bad if you consider your files priceless and would cry if you lost them. I know I would.
How does it work?
Head on over to Backblaze to sign up for an account. After signing up, you will need to install the Backblaze program. A few simple clicks and you’re good to go. That’s it. Unless you’re feeling adventuresome and want to play around with the preferences and choose what to back up and what not to back up. Your computer will start backing up your files and will continuously backup your files as long as your computer is on and connected to the Internet. If you need more details, visit the “How it Works” page on Backblaze’s web site.
How safe are my files and where are they stored?
All of your files are encrypted before they are sent to the Backblaze datacenter (using a 2048-bit RSA key, if you have to know.) They are then transmitted over a secure connection to the datacenter, where they are stored encrypted. If you don’t think that’s enough security, you can add your own private encryption key – just don’t lose it.
The Backblaze datacenter is located in San Francisco and is run by 365 Main and is shared with Sun Microsystems, Cnet and Esurance just to name a few other companies using this location. The datacenter is staffed 24/7 and has biometric security, diesel and induction power redundancy, uses 25 independent telecom providers and has a 24″ raised floor with seismic pedestals.
Still don’t feel safe? I use them personally and trust them with my files. Still no? Sorry, I don’t know what else to tell you except your data is safer in this datacenter than it is on your computer.
How do I get my files back?
In case you need to restore a file or files, you have a couple of options. You can either download a zip file or have a DVD (or multiple DVDs) or USB drive sent to you. The zip file download costs nothing. A DVD will hold 4.2GB of data and will be shipped Fedex Overnight for $99. The USB drive will hold 500GB of data and costs $189.
How long does it take to backup my files?
That all depends on your Internet connection and if you leave your computer on all of the time. According to Backblaze, you should be able to back up anywhere from 2-4GB per day. They provide a speed test to get a better idea of how much you can backup and how long it would take. You can even adjust how much of your bandwidth is devoted to backing up your files.
If you still aren’t sure about this whole online backup thing, you can get started with a 15 day free trial and test everything out.