Windows: Backing up to an external USB drive is fast, but backing up to a web-based server is (literally) fireproof. Mozy 2.0 aims to split the difference, offering both faster cloud-based system backup and a new USB drive backup tool. More »
Local backup is a useful and necessary part of securing your data against catastrophe, but with the advent of broadband and inexpensive online storage, you’ve got little reason to not backup critical files to the cloud, as well. More »
All platforms with the Java runtime: Social online storage webapp Wuala is now out of closed alpha and into public beta and ready for you to upload and share files using it. Register for a free account at Wuala to backup and stow files away in the cloud; you get 1GB free to start. Then, share your files with your friends, create groups, and browse public files while you’re there. I’ve just created a “Lifehacker Fun File Swap” group (search for it in Groups, it’s public) which you can join and trade photos, documents, downloads, and videos. Go ahead and add some files to the group, but keep it clean and work-safe, please. Thanks, DarianEliotitis!
WualaDropbox, the free, web-based backup service previously available only for Windows and Mac computers, has added a free, open-source client for Linux to its offerings. Installing Dropbox puts a folder named “Dropbox” in your Home directory (which can be moved or renamed), and anything dropped in that folder gets backed up to your Dropbox account. The service also adds a control widget to your system panel, letting you see what’s in your 2GB of free space and control bandwidth usage. Dropbox is still technically a closed beta, but installing the Linux client let me set up a new account without any invite. Dropbox is a free download for Linux systems. Dropbox
Windows/Mac/Linux (All platforms): Online backup utility SpiderOak is notable for its true cross-platform availability, but it also offers (like Mozy) 2 GB of non-expiring free storage space and the ability to run in the background, making persistent backups as you change the contents of any folders you want to watch. The creators boast of a compression algorithm that speeds up both uploads and restoration, and unlimited bandwidth for paying customers, but its real value comes in its simple interface and set-and-forget nature. For any user—but especially Linux newcomers—who doesn’t quite feel comfortable setting up their own automated backups, SpiderOak is a viable option. SpiderOak is free to download and create a 2 GB account; each 10 GB increment after that costs about $US5/month.
SpiderOak [via Simple Help]Mac only: Online backup service Mozy has released the final, 1.0 version of their Mac client, which doesn’t have all the options that the PC side does, but still gets the job done. Choose which folders you want to back up on Mozy’s servers over an encrypted connection, or simply back up your entire home directory, or pre-suggested sets of files (like your Address Book, iCal, Application Preferences, etc). I’ve actually plunked down the $5 a month unlimited storage at Mozy costs, and I use it on both my Mac and PC. Overall the service helps me sleep better at night knowing I’ve got off-site backup and and doesn’t slow down my computer or work too much. I’ve only got one complaint.
Windows only: Want a place to stash your files but lack a home server or need more than Mozy’s free 2 GB? Zoogmo, a peer-to-peer file backup program, lets you utilise your buddies (the ones with huge hard drives, anyways) for reciprocal backup. After you both install the client software, you can search each other out and trade files back and forth in an interface familiar to anybody who’s done some file-sharing. Each file, however, can only be 50 MB during Zoogmo’s beta period, so don’t expect to trade many video files (or large databases). Zoogmo is a free download for Windows systems only, requires a free sign-up to use. Zoogmo [via Download Squad]
