When it comes to computer hard drives most computer technicians will tell you that it is not a question if your hard drive fails, it is a question of when it fails. Current statistics show that one in every ten hard drives fail each year.
Personally I’m no role model when it comes to back-ups. In fact I’m pretty terrible when it comes to the somewhat boring task of backing up my files. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only photographer in the world who does not have a proper, regular back-up routine in place.
In fact if you ask ten random photographers at least seven of them will say they have no proper back-up systems in place. And even if they do have a system in place, many will not be making back-ups regularly enough.
After reading The DAM Book last year I have indeed started thinking more carefully about my ‘digital assets’ and have put a more structured workflow in place with regards to how I process and back-up my image files.
However I fall into the category of people who do not back-up regularly enough. Why? Because it’s not automated. I have to pull out an empty DVD from the drawer, put it in the drive and create a back-up, and I simply don’t do this often enough. It’s a boring task, so I put it off. Automation is the key.
Mozy.com is one company who is offering unlimited online back-ups for just $4.95 per month. Mozy has made online back-ups possible for everyone with an affordable, secure solution that’s easy to use.
One of the main advantages of online back-ups is that you automatically have an external back-up. You no longer have to burn a DVD every Sunday night and bring it with you to the office on Monday morning.
Take a look at Mozy’s services and see if Mozy.com is the solution you have been looking for to ensure that your photos (and any other important files and documents) are safely backed up at a secure, remote location.
If anyone out there know of other smart solutions feel free to share these in the comments to this post. We need to back-up our images, regularly!
Loading ...
6. December 2009 at 2:55 pm
MozyHome works pretty well for me – on both Mac and PC. MozyPro needs a lot work, however – the interface is extremely convoluted and not user friendly at all.
7. December 2009 at 12:59 pm
Thanks for your input as a user of Mozy chilipepr. Your comments are appreciated.
7. December 2009 at 8:22 am
Mozy is a great online backup solution, as is Backblaze. Remember, when you backup to the cloud, your initial backup is going to take a while (days, weeks) but then incremental (daily) backups will be much quicker. Then you can rest soundly, knowing your data is safely backed up offsite.
7. December 2009 at 1:03 pm
Great to hear from Online Backups Review for this article. Thanks for your comments and input including the link to your site.
30. December 2009 at 12:42 am
I am also considering using an online backup service.
However, I feel a bit uncomfortable with the thought that I give personal data into the hands of a company.
I’d be interested in arguments in favour or against this aspect.
Am I too paranoid?
31. December 2009 at 12:49 am
Hi Timo, I think your concern is valid and I think it’s important to research the reputation of the company you choose to use for a backup service.
Read their privacy policy carefully and perhaps send them an email with any concerns or questions and see how they respond. A quick and professional response is one good indicator of a good company.
Personally I’ve become less paranoid about the internet, but there will always be people out there who don’t necessarily have your best interest at heart, so it pays to be careful.