Though I do my own backups on a regular bases, I thought I would try a online backup service just to see how well or not so well it would work. I have heard all of the rhetoric about safety issues and so forth, and also the issues about security. After going through my important documents, pictures and other data I came to one conclusion. What I have on my personal computer is only valuable to me and may just bore others to tears.

Anyway, I decided to try the online back up system from Mozy. You sign up for an account which provides you with 2G of free backup server space. After setting up a username [email address] and password, you are sent a confirmation email. Than you can download their backup software to your system.

The backup software is very easy to use. Once installed you can click on the backup button and the software will auto find your files such as my documents, outlook, outlook express, IE favorites, Firefox favorites, picture & music folders and others or you can select expert mode to add additional files.

I did my backup at night before I went to bed. In the morning it had completed approximately 975MB of data.

I did not try the restore feature.

You must have a broadband connection.

See what you think. Are there other recommendations for online backup software? If so, let us know.

Mozy website is here. The free account is on your left about 1/3 page down.

PS Using an online backup service should not be a substitute for doing your own backups, but should be treated as an enhancement. Just my two cents.