If you have a lot of photos and other valuable documents stored on your computer then an automatic backup will be more efficient than trying to backup manually. Most automatic backup tools nowadays backup using the internet so your files are stored safely online. If you lose your computer or if it is damaged, stolen or your hard drive fails you can get your files back from the online storage.
What’s particularly valuable about online backup solutions is that they can be configured to back up your important files automatically so you don’t have to remember to do it. Your computer simply needs to be turned on and be connected to the internet.
Many online backup sites have “try before you buy” options and this is a good place to start. We’ll show you how to use Carbonite which has a 15-day trial of its personal plan available.
To get started visit Carbonite.com and click the Start Your Free Trial option. Determine which plan will work for you – we suggest you start with the personal plan so click Personal Plan to get started.
When prompted to do so, enter your e-mail address and a password and click to create your account. When you do this the Carbonite setup file will begin to download. When it has downloaded, click to run the file and install the software. You’ll need to agree to the terms of service and then the program will install on your computer.
You be stepped through the process of making choices about what Carbonite backs up and how the backup process is managed. Unless you have reasons to do otherwise it’s best to select the default options.
Once you’ve configured the backup options the Carbonite backup will start running automatically. Depending on how many files you have and the speed of your internet connection this may take as little as a few hours to as long as a few days. Ideally you should keep your computer on while the backup takes place. However if you have to shut the computer down the backup will start again automatically when you restart your computer.
Once the initial backup is complete, if the program is set to do so, it will run periodically to backup new and changed files. To check your settings, right click the Carbonite icon in your System Tray in the bottom right corner of the screen and click Launch InfoCenter. Click Settings > Edit Settings and make sure that the Online Backup Schedule is configured to Back up continuously which is the recommended option.
If you ever need to recover your files you can do so via the Carbonite InfoCenter or by logging into Carbonite.com. If you are using the InfoCenter click Restore and then choose the desired option. You can opt to restore all your files, you can search for those files that you want to recover online or simply browse your backup.
To continue to use the Carbonite service after the trial time has expired you will need to pay for the service. You can do this from the Account area inside the InfoCenter or go to Carbonite.com and login online to pay for the service. You won’t have to do your initial backup again as your files will be already uploaded.
