Clound based storage - Home user

wildest_jjk · 20 Feb 2012 at 20:27

Cloud based storage - Home user

Hey guys,

I have an external hard drive that I use for backups. But its a pain and I use it for other computers as well. I like the sound of real time backups meaning I dont have to ever worry about it. I also like the idea of cloud storage as its offsite in case of problems.

What worries me is whether I can trust some of the small companies that provide cloud storage. What would you guys recommend for real time cloud based storage? Preferably ones that have a reputation and encryption would be nice as well.

Thanks

bremen1874 · 20 Feb 2012 at 21:06

How much data?

Mozy has worked well for me on my server, but it gets expensive if there's a significant amount of data. I also use Jungle Disk on another machine which has been okay so far (about 12 months).

wildest_jjk · 20 Feb 2012 at 21:09

Thanks for the response. I was rather hoping for unlimited, but 1TB would be sufficient. Encryption would also be something I would need.

Are any of those you suggested suitable?

Thanks

bremen1874 · 20 Feb 2012 at 21:12

wildest_jjk said:
Are any of those you suggested suitable?

Probably not.

KIA · 20 Feb 2012 at 22:16

If you're serious about encryption:

https://www.jungledisk.com/
http://www.wuala.com/
https://spideroak.com/

The majority of backup services won't encrypt the data before it it hits the cloud.

wildest_jjk · 20 Feb 2012 at 22:27

Thanks for the response.

I guess I am more worried that its encrypted when its in the cloud? So people cannot access it.

Ill have a look at those, thanks

KIA · 20 Feb 2012 at 22:52

Some cloud providers are able to decrypt customer data (law enforcement request, etc). I prefer to encrypt sensitive information using my own private key before it hits the Internet.

wildest_jjk · 20 Feb 2012 at 22:56

Thats a good idea, but in terms of the amount of data I am talking about (1TB) is that viable? If I am talking about real time updates I guess it wouldn't be possible anyway?

I have no idea so got to ask! What do you use to do that?

Thanks

bremen1874 · 20 Feb 2012 at 23:36

Have you calculated how long it'll take to upload 1TB? Even if you've got sufficient upstream bandwidth some of the cloud providers will limit the available bandwidth (or they used to).

KIA · 21 Feb 2012 at 13:17

wildest_jjk said:
Thats a good idea, but in terms of the amount of data I am talking about (1TB) is that viable? If I am talking about real time updates I guess it wouldn't be possible anyway?

I have no idea so got to ask! What do you use to do that?

Thanks

http://www.livedrive.com/ might be suitable.

wildest_jjk · 21 Feb 2012 at 17:06

bremen1874 said:
Have you calculated how long it'll take to upload 1TB? Even if you've got sufficient upstream bandwidth some of the cloud providers will limit the available bandwidth (or they used to).

No I haven't calculated but surely that doesn't matter once it has been backed up the first time because it will only backup changes?

KIA said:
http://www.livedrive.com/ might be suitable.

Just had a look at it and that does look pretty good. Another one I have just found is this: http://www.carbonite.co.uk/

Another thing that I have thought of, is because it only backs up one PC, do you think it's possible to backup a laptop to the PC first? So that both will then get backed up?

Thanks for the responses

bremen1874 · 21 Feb 2012 at 17:35

wildest_jjk said:
No I haven't calculated but surely that doesn't matter once it has been backed up the first time because it will only backup changes?

It'll depend on your upload speed. If you're on ADSL and getting 1Mb/s then 1TB is going to take you about 100 days. If you're on FTTC and getting 10Mb/s it'll be a more reasonable 10 days.

The above assumes that the provider doesn't cap you. Carbonite for example deliberately slow things down as the amount of data increases. Google 'carbonite upload speed calculator' and you’ll see (if it’s to be believed) that the estimate for a 1TB upload is over two years! (regardless of what your theoretical upload speed is)

wildest_jjk · 21 Feb 2012 at 17:45

Thanks for the response. Thats a bit ridiculous then! My upload speed is only 1Mbps anyway at the moment.

But if they cap it as well (which it is clear they do) then it will take a ridiculous amount of time!

Thanks for pointing that out, don't know what to do now!

Slyman · 21 Feb 2012 at 19:20

Backblaze http://www.backblaze.com/

I only have 165gb stored.

I just left the pc on and it uploaded in the background over 2 weeks I think

They don't limit upload speed or storage.

Use the trial and it will give you and indication of how long your initial back up will take.

I don't notice it running in the background now even when gaming.

wildest_jjk · 21 Feb 2012 at 19:28

Thanks for the response.

Do they provide encryption? How much do you pay for it?

Thanks

Slyman · 21 Feb 2012 at 19:44

Yes you provide your own encryption key and it's $50/£36 a year or pay $5 a month

http://www.backblaze.com/speedtest/ will tell you your upload per day based on current connection speed

wildest_jjk · 21 Feb 2012 at 19:56

Is it a reputable company? I can't see it mentioned on many websites.

Thanks for the help

Slyman · 21 Feb 2012 at 20:10

http://www.backblaze.com/news.html

A few links on that page

"Where Your Data is Stored
• 365 Main Datacenter
• Shared with Sun Micro., Cnet, Esurance
• 24x7 Onsite Staff
• Biometric Security
• Diesel & Induction Power Redundancy
• 25 Independent Telecom Providers
• 24” Raised floor with Seismic Pedestals"

wildest_jjk · 21 Feb 2012 at 20:14

That definitely helps! So in comparison to carbonite, its cheaper and doesn't throttle the connection? Am I missing something??

Thanks!

KIA · 21 Feb 2012 at 20:18

wildest_jjk said:
Another thing that I have thought of, is because it only backs up one PC, do you think it's possible to backup a laptop to the PC first? So that both will then get backed up?

Yes.

wildest_jjk said:
Is it a reputable company? I can't see it mentioned on many websites.

Backblaze is reputable.