FAQ
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| Frequently Asked Questions
What if we already have a tap backup system?Using a tape backup system and a remote backup system offers the best of both worlds. Critical files, like billing, customer contact files and databases can be kept on the remote backup system. While, the tape system can be used to create a full backup of the entire system once or twice a month, instead of on a daily basis. The tapes and drive will last longer and require less maintenance. The remote backup system can provide a quick and easy way to retrieve critical files and databases without the hassle of searching through tapes. Back to TopWhat if we already have a zip drive?Frankly, we believe that it is not optimal for most users to use a zip or other removable disk media for backup. A remote backup service is completely automated and has the required file redundancy to protect important data. The only safe way to use a zip drive for backup is to have three disks and make the same backup three times. That way when one of the disk fails you are still protected. Back to TopHow long will a remote backup take?Offices with high-speed internet connections should find this service comparable with tape drives. Dial up users will be able to do incremental backups in thirty to sixty minutes or less. The initial backup can take several nights to complete. We recommend backing up the most important files first and then selecting other files as the backup progresses. Or, the initial backup can be run over the weekend. Also, we can come to your office and make the initial backup of your system.
Back to TopOnsite, offsite - what's the difference?Basically, remote backups work like regular tape backups, with one important difference. Instead of sending backups to a tape drive or other media attached to the computer being backed up, a remote backup sends encrypted file data over the internet to a computer file storage system safely off-site. This usually happens at night while your business is closed and nobody is using the computers. It's completely automatic. In fact, you may forget it's working every night. In the event of a major catastrophe or theft, you still have your data stored safely at our remote server. Back to TopWhy are remote backups considered more beneficial?The data is immediately stored off-site using an automated backup system. Also, only an internet connection is needed. Completely eliminating the need for expensive backup equipment and media. And, since the system is automated, manual labor is eliminated. Back to TopHow secure are remote data backups?Very. All files are encrypted using Blowfish or DES encryption which is selected by the user with their own personal encryption code which is only known by the user of the system. Blowfish encryption has never been broken by a hacker. DES is used by the federal banking system. Back to TopWhat is encryption?Encryption is basically a mathematical formula that scrambles a data file. And the only way to unscramble it is with the encryption code. Back to TopHow much space will my data take?The easiest way to estimate how much data you have is to double click on the My Documents folder. Then hold down the Ctrl key and press A. Place your mouse over one of the selected files and right click on your mouse, then click properties. This will calculate the total size of all files in the My Documents area. Take the "Size on disk: number and multiply by .33 or 33%. This will give your an approximate idea of the size of your data for a Full backup to our server. Normally data is compressed up to 25% of it's original size depending on the files. By using 33% you take into account files not saved directly into the My Documents area. If you know all of the data directories you may use the same method as above but use 25% and add all the totals together. Back to TopLast modified: 04/01/04 |
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