In a word, Yes. PC’s and laptops can be backed up using a different version of our software.
Cloud Backup FAQ
General
Does Cloud Data offer backup solutions for PCs, and laptops?
Is Cloud Data’s Online backup software compatible with my operating system?
Our solution is compatible with the following operating system environments: Windows 95 through Vista, and Mac OS X. Additionally, the server version supports Netware, Linux and Solaris.
What data databases and file types are supported?
- Microsoft Exchange (message level)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 or later
- Lotus Domino/Notes 5.0 or above
- Oracle 8i or above
- MySQL 3.2.4 or above
- Windows System State
- Support Windows NTFS access privileges
- Linux access privileges and modes
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All normal "file system" files: Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, etc.
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Outlook and Outlook Express mail (pst) files
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Open files (using Windows Volume Shadow Copy)
What type of internet connection do I need?
We recommend a broadband connection – the higher the upload speed the better.
How do you handle upgrades?
Upgrades are included in the cost of the service and are released as they become available. Upgrades are automatically applied and do not require any action on your part.
Can multiple users/computers backup using the same account?
Yes, as long as each user has a different computer name. This feature allows small workgroups to share a backup account.
Can your backup be run as either a service or an application?
Yes
Is it easy to create an account?
It only takes about 5 minutes to create an account. To do so, go to our Sign up page and complete the form. This creates your storage folder on our secure server. This private data storage is protected by encryption and by your User Name and Password
Backing Up Data
How do I select data for backup?
In the Backup window, use the explorer style interface to select the data you would like to backup by clicking the checkbox next to the folders you want to backup.
How do I know how much data I am backing up?
After your every backup you will receive a confirmation email. This email will report the amount of storage used as well as the space still available within your quota. This will allow you to keep your bill consistent.
Should I backup every file on my computer?
Program files account for many of the files on your computer. In the event of a computer failure, it is usually best to re-install your software from its original source (CDs, etc). And, it will keep your bill lower, if you use Cloud Data’s Online backup software only to backup your data files--not program files.
If you want to provide protection for installed programs, you may want to consider our Failover solution. Click here for more in formation.
Is a schedule required or can I just click a button to start the backup?
In addition to a set schedule, backups can be performed immediately by selecting the backup set and clicking the "Start Backup" button.
How often can I backup?
You may backup any time you want to by clicking the "Backup Now" button. You may also set a schedule to backup your data as frequently as every 4 hours.
When should I schedule my backup?
We recommend scheduling backups to run every day, during non-business hours.
How do I schedule backups?
- Open Cloud Data Backup and open your Backup-Set Settings.
- Click on “Backup Schedule” and click on the “Add” button. Here you can rename the backup set, change the frequency and select the time you want your backups to start.
- Once your selections are complete press “OK”.
- In order for your settings to become final, click on the “Save Setting” button.
How can I be sure my online server backups are actually working?
There are four ways to confirm your server backup:
- You will receive an email from us every day indicating the status of your server backup.
- Cloud Data proactively monitors customer backups. If you have not backed up successfully in over one week, we will contact you.
- You can click on the Logs Tab and review all your backup activity there.
- You can also click on the Restore Tab and select files and restore them. This is the most certain way to verify your server backups.
Restoring Data
How do I restore data?
Start by selecting the Restore Tab. Select the files and folders you want to restore and press the "Restore Files" button. Using Cloud Data Backup allows you to know that that your data can be restored any time, onto any computer, and all with no additional cost.
Can I restore a file when I'm away from the office?
Yes you can! Cloud Data’s web-based Restore capability allows you to access your data from any computer which has an internet connection.
Does Cloud Data’s Online backup software save older versions of my data?
Yes. Cloud Data not only protects the current version of your data, it also protects older versions of every file. When installed, our Online backup software is configured to keep all changes made in the previous 7 days for every file. So, if you have a file that you change every day, you can restore any of the previous 7 versions of that file. If you want more versions than 7 days we can increase that up to 1 year.
What happens when I delete files from my computer or remove files from my backup set?
Files you delete and files you de-select from your backup set remain on our servers for 7 days after the last backup. The 7 day period may be lengthened up to 1 year by changing the retention policy in our Backup Manager.
What do I do to restore an older version of a file?
In the Restore window, select the file(s) you want to restore and click Restore Files.
Can I backup an entire Operating System?
Currently, it is not possible to take a hard disk image backup with the Cloud Data Backup Client. However, you can still backup/restore the operating system by doing the following:
To backup all files including the operating system, please do this:
- Add all files to your backup source.
- Add a SystemState backup type to your backup account (Windows only)
To restore all files including the operating system, please do this:
- Re-install the operating system.
- Restore the SystemState backup to your machine (Windows only)
- Restore all files to your machine
Deleting Data
What do I do to delete data from the online backup server?
When you remove files from the backup set (i.e. de-select files), they will be automatically deleted at the end of your retention period.
Security
Is Cloud Data backup safe?
Yes. Your data is encrypted before it ever leaves your computer. A secure connection is used to transmit data to the data centre. Data is never transmitted over public ports. All data is redundantly stored in at least 2 data centres. Security features include:
- 24/7 manned security
- Controlled physical access
- 24/7 monitoring
- 24/7 remote hands
- N+1 redundancy on power, HVAC
- Fire, smoke and heat detection
- UPS and onsite diesel generators
Do you have additional levels of security?
Yes. You may add a "Secret Encryption Key" which is then applied to your encrypted data. This adds password protection to the encryption process. This security feature works in addition to the usual Username and Password which are assigned to your account. Users who choose to use this feature will need to be aware that they are required to have their Secret Key when they need to restore data. Users are not able to restore data with only Username and Password. And please note: Cloud Data does not keep records of Secret Encryption Keys. If you lose your Secret Encryption Key you will not be able to restore data.
What about viruses?
Viruses cannot function after encryption. When an infected file is backed up to the Cloud Data server, the virus remains dormant because the virus-infected file has been compressed and encrypted. You are further protected because there is no program which will invoke the virus in the backup environment. When and infected file is restored, however, the virus become active again. It is essential to run updated anti-virus software on all systems.
Billing
How is my bill calculated?
Customers are billed at the end of the month based on maximum storage used during that month.
Do you have a "no-obligation" trial period for Cloud Backup?
Yes! You may try our Online backup software without risk or obligation. If you wish to cancel any time during your first 15 days of service, you are not asked to pay for anything.
What method of payment do you accept for Cloud Backup?
You may pay Direct Debit or credit card.
Does it cost more to restore data on Cloud Backup?
No.
Are there ANY additional fees on Cloud Backup?
Some users request that we periodically copy their data set to removable media. We charge £50 per CD or DVD data set.