I have found the Acronis web site a little confusing so I have written this short article on how to set up Acronis Online Backup.

I found the Acronis website a bit strange because it didn’t really tell you what steps you need to take to start an online backup. This is what I discovered.

Step 1:

You need to register with them. There is no cost or obligation – you simply give them your name, email address and set up a password.

Step 2:

Choose their free trial. On their free trial they only allow you to backup a maximum of 2GB. Even if you will very soon need to backup more than that I still would suggest starting with the free trial and try backing up a small section of your data. That way you will be able to make sure that everything works before you commit yourself at all.

Step 3:

Download their software – again no charge or obligation.

Step 4:

Install the software on your computer – standard installation procedure, easy and simple, just follow the prompts.

Step 5:

Once you have a successful installation go to Start, Programs, Acronis and launch the Acronis Online Backup on your machine and follow its instructions.

Step 6:

The software allows you to choose which files should be backed up and whether you want to set up a schedule so that the backups will happen automatically without any intervention from you. That’s it!

In reality setting up an online backup is very similar to doing a disk backup and just as easy. In fact the only real difference is that the disk you are saving your data on is not local to you. The disadvantage is that the backup will take longer. After all you are sending data over the internet so the speed will depend on your connection, their connection and how many people happen to be backing up at the same time.

You can solve this problem of speed by combining local backup with an online backup. Consider the idea of doing daily backups locally and a weekly backup over the internet. Acronis are quite good at this because they have integrated their local backup software with their online backup software.

You will never be forced to carry your files around with you. Wherever you are in the world as long as you have an internet connection you will be able to have access to your files.

Acronis allow you to perform online backups from up to 5 computers with the one licence. Acronis have set up complete security and protection on their data storage facilities – you can be assured by them that your information is safe and sound.

If you back up locally your backup media could potentially be destroyed at the same time that your original data is lost. This could happen for example in a situation where your computers have been stolen or there has been a flood and all your equipment has been damaged including the backup equipment

However, with online backup your data is stored somewhere else, possibly thousands of miles away. It is extremely unlikely that whatever caused the loss of your data will also affect the data stored online. In addition, companies that store data usually will have their storage media in safe and secure purpose built locations.

Online backup involves a monthly or annual cost. Acronis offer a hefty discount when paying annually. The costs are not large and they allow you a fair amount of space for your money.

Local backup requires that you purchase software as a one off purchase. Bear in mind that the cost of the software could equate to several months of online backup subscription.