Best Online Backup Service for Windows PCs
Summary: When you start backing up your files, you’ll need a program that’s fully compatible with your Windows PCs.
Like any other device, your PC can be stolen, hacked, infected, or damaged, and your files will be gone for good.
Backing up your files will prevent them from permanent loss in the event that your device is ever stolen, or your PC is ever hacked.
By storing them in a remote location, you essentially have copies of everything, tucked away from potential threats that your PC is vulnerable to.
For the best online backup service for Windows, get iDrive now.
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Why Are My Files at Risk?
Most people know it’s just common sense to back up their files these days.
Any computer can get damaged, stolen, or infiltrated by a virus or hacker, so it makes sense to keep important files and irreplaceable photos backed up in a secure location.
(Remember: that means not deleting the originals too!).
Even if you live in a great neighborhood, don’t have a clumsy dog, and are running the toughest antivirus program around, things happen.
In the blink of an eye, those tax documents and family photos can be gone for good. Don’t take the chance – start using an online backup service.
How Does Online Backup Work?
Online backup is a really simple concept.
Basically, you find a company you like, download their software, and more often than not, it will automatically start backing up all of your files to their servers.
Your files are encrypted both on the way to the company’s data centers, and kept like that for the duration of their storage.
You can also adjust settings in the online backup software to have backups scheduled, rather than run continuously, or incrementally.
These services have come a long way, and now have a long list of security features as well to make sure your files stay private and secure.
Think of it as a safe deposit box, for digital content.
Top 3 Online Backup Services for Windows PCs
These days, there are a lot of online backup services to choose from, and it’s hard to know who you can trust with your files and information.
Here are a few of the most popular ones on the web, and how they compare in terms of features, security, and affordability.
#1 Choice: iDrive – 9/10 – Tons of storage space at the best price
iDrive is the only backup service I will even bother with at this point.
While some other companies offer unlimited file storage, iDrive has cheaper plan prices, and still gives you 1 TB of storage space – more than enough room for even the biggest file hoarders.
Not only is their software compatible with any operating system, but iDrive has mobile apps available for iOS and Android devices as well.
With the apps, you can sync your backed up files and access them on the go, and even back up the data on your mobile devices.
iDrive is also packed with tons of great features, including bandwidth throttle controls that let you decide how much of your internet connection the software uses.
You can slow it down to stream a movie, then speed it up before you go to bed.
Their software runs an automatic, continuous backup of your entire system, or there’s a scheduling tool that you can use to run incremental backups when it’s more convenient for you.
iDrive also has the best file storage security of any company I’ve seen.
Not only do they encrypt your files back to back, but they even give you the option of setting a private encryption key, which means even they can’t view your files.
Plus, they have geo redundant file storage, and also maintains full control and ownership of their data centers, so no third party companies are involved with your file storage.
For an amazing customer support team, and software that even beginners can easily figure out, get iDrive now.
#2: CrashPlan – 8/10 – Unlimited storage space, but can’t back up mobile devices
Okay, so I’m pretty sold on iDrive, but if you’re not, that’s fine – check out CrashPlan next.
Their backup service isn’t quite as feature-packed, and they’re definitely a few bucks more, but they come pretty close to being the real. Couple things to keep in mind though:
- You can’t back up your mobile devices with them.
- Their software isn’t nearly as easy to use.
Also, though online backup services are generally used for file storage, a lot of companies (including iDrive) allow you to share those files using special folders with links to grant access.
CrashPlan does not. Their service is strictly limited to file storage and backup – that’s it.
Now for the good: Despite the fact that you can’t actually back up your mobile devices, you can still sync and access all of your files with their mobile apps.
Like iDrive, their software will work on any operating system. One big selling point for people who require a lot of storage space is that theirs is unlimited.
You also get unlimited file versioning and recovery, so nothing you delete or modify is ever gone for good.
Though CrashPlan’s data centers lack iDrive’s killer geo-redundancy feature, they do own and operate them, so there’s nobody fishy involved with securing your files.
Plus, with their remote wipe feature, you can even erase files from your device in the event that it’s ever stolen, just like iDrive.
There’s no doubt that there are definitely some drawbacks to using CrashPlan compared to iDrive, but if storage space is your deciding factor, they may just be worth the higher price tag.
CrashPlan can be found here.
#3: Acronis– 6/10 – Extortionist pricing model, sketchy terms of service
Acronis is another backup service that is compatible with Windows, as well as Mac systems.
However, the trouble is, you have to purchase a separate, much more expensive software bundle for it to be compatible with both. Strike one for me.
Their prices are already pretty high, and if you need to back up devices that run both Mac and Windows systems, your bill gets about $25 more expensive.
The really crazy thing is, Acronis isn’t even the most feature packed backup service out there.
Though their program boasts unlimited storage space, there is absolutely no recovering a deleted file – once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
On top of that, though their security appears to be decent, with optional private encryption keys and no third party involvement with their data storage.
However, their storage centers are limited to one location, so they’re not geo redundant. Whereas, iDrive does give you geo redundant storage, to better protect your data.
On top of that, there are some major red flags in their terms of service along the lines of the security of your data not being guaranteed, and some questions about data ownership.
Frankly, that alone makes me want to stay as far away from Acronis as possible.
Never mind their high prices – if they can’t even guarantee the safety of your files, what are you paying them for?
I wouldn’t waste your hard-earned money with a company that can’t even stand behind what they’re selling.
Use iDrive for backup service that you can actually depend on.
Acronis is here.
Conclusion: Use iDrive for Secure Backup Anytime, Anywhere
When it comes to protecting your files, you don’t just need a program that’s going to work well with your Windows PC, you need one that’s going to keep your data safe, secure, and private.
Ask yourself, does the company you’re going with have:
- geo redundant file storage
- military grade encryption
- an option for a private encryption key
- full control over their data centers
iDrive is the only one that has it all, and at the most competitive, affordable price you’ll find.
Don’t roll the dice – back up your Windows PC with iDrive now.
