Need Advice: Thoughts on the safety of using Carbonite online backup?

[Maceman]

I have an external hard-drive that backs up my data nicely. The problem is Microsoft Outlook, which I have found very difficult to back-up, I can export it to a .pst file, but that is very tedious and doesn't pick up everything.

I'm wondering whether I should just try Carbonite, but I am concerned about the wisdom of storing my data on an off-site online server.

Anyone have any experience with Carbonite? Would this be a good solution for me?

As always. relevant responses are welcome. Also funny response (but only if they are REALLY funny. No Mac snobs need apply. Void where prohibited. Consult a physician before taking.

And yes, I AM logged on. Also logged in, over, under, around, through and any other preposition you may prefer.

[dubie]

I use mozy.com and like it.

[vladimir998]

I’d be interested in hearing from people who’ve bought that service too.

[Perdogg]

If you want to save your pst files, do a search save to a thumb drive.

[dubie]

mozy give 2GB free... plus you can bring your own encryption so they can’t see your stuff...

[edcoil]

They are all pretty much the same - CarbonCopy is good too.

Don’t allow sensitive data however to leave your computer.

or,

Use a flash drive (14.00) at Fry’s for 4G and keep in safety deposit box or other family members home.

[doc11355]

No Mac snobs need apply...

Is it being snobbish to point out that Macs really are better?

[marine86297]

Not breaking News.... but..

We use carbonite here at our family run business. We love it. It does as promised. I guess there is a concern over your data being saved on someone elses servers. I guess it comes down to personal preference. I would recommend Carbonite for backing up files offsite.

We have had no issues with them at all. I hope this helps.

[Political Junkie Too]

I use Sonic's BackUp MyPC, which is a file-based backup utility (not a drive image utility). This tool has the ability to back up open files (like Outlook's .pst file).

-PJ

[Seaplaner]

No Mac snobs need apply...

Is it being snobbish to point out that Macs really are better?

Rut roh...

.

[jimmyray]

On my XP computer, the outlook *.PST is located in

c:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Note that the "Local Settings" is a hidden folder, so you have to set the folder options to "view hidden files". I do this regularly as part of mybackup plan, and do not have to export anything. Just copy the file to my backup hard drive.

[lefty-lie-spy]

No Mac snobs need apply... Is it being snobbish to point out that Macs really are better?

Mac Snob Ping. (Thumbs up for terminal.app. Yeah, baby!)

[Skooz]

I have used Carbonite since January and I am quite happy with it.

I have not (thankfully) needed to restore any files, yet. But, the backups are smooth and silk as the interface is excellent.

[Leg Olam]

I use the best for what I need.

Apple for graphics

Palm for mobility

Linux for servers

Windows for solitair

[Maceman]

Thanks for that. I will check that out.

[The Wizard]

I never had a problem...

[AppyPappy]

If your online backup provider goes vbelly up, then what?

Copying PST files should be enough.

[CholeraJoe]

You'll go blind after you thaw out.

[ASOC]

If you don’t care for letting your data out of your hands.

Why not just make a ghost image on your b/u drive? TAkes a while (8 to 10 min) but has the advantage of a very fast restore if your internal drive craters...

[Leonard210]

I use it (Carbonite) on a Mac. Your insistence on not hearing from me, however, makes you seem, dare I say, a bit “snobish”. Nonetheless I have over 100 GB backed up right now. I have already had to rescue one file. It was easy and I didn’t have to restore the entire drive like some of these services. (Remember, the Mac software is brand new so your PC version has a lot more miles behind it.) I encrypt sensitive data on my drive even though it is encrypted as it is transferred and when it is stored. I compared 6 or so services and liked the price and ease of restore (one file at a time or the whole disk). Remember however, they are all going to take a LONG time to do the initial BU. 100GB took about a month.