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Get Cloud Backups sorted with helpcomputing


Here is where you can find out how to backup your computer to the cloud. You’ll get a shopping list of things to purchase so that you can achieve this task. But if you need additional help to get it all working in harmony, you can call in helpcomputing remotely using the button below.

Why should you backup to a Cloud?

Perhaps we should mention what a 'Cloud' is. A cloud is any system that is represented out there on the Internet. We are interested in a cloud storage element and in reality, cloud storage is a set of computers and disks that are securely connected to the Internet.
  
There are advantages and disadvantages to backing up to the cloud, or the Internet:

Advantages
Your backup is stored ‘off-site’ and this means that should fire, flood or some natural disaster destroy your computer and any local backup devices, you can still recover from the cloud.

You get improved protection from ransomware. Ransomware can infect and encrypt files on your computer and any attached backup devices. A cloud backup isn’t physically connected to your computer and any backup files can’t be encrypted.

With the cloud backup software that helpcomputing recommends, you can also take a local backup as well. This leads to you being able to take both off-site (cloud) and on-site (local) backups for maximum protection.

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Disadvantages

Backups take longer. This is not, however, a significant disadvantage.

Restoring takes longer. This is a significant disadvantage, but if you needed to use this backup then it’s definitely great to have it.

Cloud backups costs more over time, because you additionally need to pay for the cloud storage. Cloud backups are on a yearly subscription model.


With a good backup software, you can fully backup your computer to the Cloud. This means that should disaster strike, you will have a recent copy of your computer stored out of harm’s way in the cloud. You can use this off-site cloud storage to restore back to a repaired computer, or to a new computer without losing any data.


Your Shopping List

helpcomputing recommends Acronis as the Backup Software of choice. helpcomputing makes no financial gain from choosing Acronis and this choice is based on experience with the software. It has all the attributes that IT Professionals would expect in backup software as well as a flexibility that allows it to be used in many backup scenarios, and with many different types of backup devices.

It's also well priced!

What size Cloud Storage should I choose?
Most of the recent computers that helpcomputing has seen and worked with usually has a 500GB hard disk. Most of helpcomputing’s customers use no more than about half that space, or about 250GB.

If for example you have about 250GB of data, you would probably want to choose the next level up, which would be to purchase 500GB of space (£48.99 per year).

But if you can move stuff that isn’t important to another drive and get to below say 200GB, then choosing the 250GB space option (£34.99 per year) would be good.

Contact helpcomputing using the Contact Us menu button above; we are happy to arrange a time free of charge to connect and check out how much space you might need.


ITEM DESCRIPTION LINK
Backup SoftwareAcronis True Image. Purchase and download with the link. Choose the ADVANCED or PREMIUM package to enable you to backup to the cloud.

This cloud backup software starts from about £35 per year and includes 250GB of cloud space. You’ll be able to choose the size you require.

Cloud Backup Software
Local DeviceThis could be a USB drive that you have already. It could be another computer or a NAS.

The simplest way to get started is with an external USB drive.

You’ll probably need a 1TB device. helpcomputing recommends Western Digital. Click our Amazon Associates search button to choose the correct one.

A 1TB drive should cost about £50.
Local Backup Devices


There are two elements to your shopping list, but one - the local device - is optional as you might just want to keep your backups in the Cloud. Or you might already have a suitable device that you can use as a Local Backup.

BACKUP SOFTWARE
Backup Software is essentially a special app that you install on your computer. Backup Software can backup your computer for you, usually after you have created a schedule for it to do so.

This version of your Backup Software will backup everything to the Cloud. With this version of the Backup Software you can still backup everything to a Local Device that you connect to your computer. You’ll then be as good as any corporate player; you'll have a backup that is both onsite and offsite for maximum cover!

LOCAL DEVICE
helpcomputing
recommends that you purchase just one Local Device - if you don't already own one - so that you are able to set up both onsite backups (to your local device) and offsite backups to the Cloud. 

Need help setting this all up? Click the button below to call helpcomputing in remotely!

Order your helpcomputing services

We can connect to your computer and set things up for you. We’ll make sure that your documents etc are properly backed up to the cloud and also to your local device if you've chosen that option too. Finally, to make life easier for you, we can remotely monitor your backups for you.

You won't have to worry. helpcomputing will keep a watchful eye, free of charge. And only if you'd like us to. If for some reason your backups have been failing, we'll let you know.


No. of computers to install and config Acronis Backup Software
Once you have chosen a payment option, log into your page here and schedule a booking. You'll connect directly to helpcomputing's calendar and you can book yourself in. If you don't yet have a page, you can register at the login page.