Archive for December, 2011


5 Must-Have Features of a Comprehensive Online Storage Solution

The concept of online storage means different things to different people.  You may just want to keep a couple of pictures or important documents stored online, whereas other people backup their entire computer.  Regardless of why you are searching for an online storage solution, the key is making sure that it meets your needs.  One of the biggest problems that people run into is that they choose their storage solution and realize that there are some important features that it is missing.  Here’s a closer look at 5 must-have features of a comprehensive online storage solution.

1.    Multiple Access Points
One of the most important features of a comprehensive online store solution is the ability to access your information from anywhere.  This includes viewing your documents from your computer as well as mobile devices.  If you are backing up your entire computer, then the online storage solution should also have a feature which allows you to receive your entire backup via a hard disk sent through snail mail.  This is not something that you will hopefully ever have to use, however if your computer completely crashes, then it will significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to get up and running again.

2.    Must Support Versioning
Another important feature is known as versioning.  Essentially, versioning means that if you alter a document, then the current version and previous version will both be available.  There are a variety of different situations in which you may need access to a version which was previously stored on your computer, but has since been altered.  Without versioning, you lose a portion of the safety at which online storage solutions are designed to provide.

3.    Easy File Sharing
When looking for a comprehensive online storage solution, you should pay close attention to how easy it is to share files with friends and coworkers.  While most online store solutions will allow you to share documents through a secure link which gives others only access to that document, some still require you to give them access to your entire account.  This is not only unsafe, but can also cause problems if they accidentally delete or alter some of the documents which were stored.

4.    Syncing
Syncing has become an incredibly important feature for comprehensive online storage solutions.  It can not only ensure that your computer is being automatically backed up, but can also allow you to sync multiple computers and mobile devices as well.  This ensures that no matter where you are storing your data, it will be also stored through your online storage solution.

5.    Easy to Use Admin Area
Finally, a comprehensive online storage solution will provide you with an easy to use admin area.  In most cases, they will have quick-start wizards and a user interface which is visually coherent and easy to navigate.  If you find your online storage solution is difficult to deal with, then it is much less likely that you will use them to the extent in which they can help.

Review free online storage solutions now.

Using Free Online Storage Sites to Backup Your Computer Files

Are your computer files safe from unforeseen accidents? If you own a personal computer, you should be protecting your personal information and backing up your files with an online storage site. If you are like most Americans, your entire life is stored on your personal computer. From family photos to financial records, your valuable computer files can be lost in a second. Using free online storage sites to backup your computer files is a great way to ensure your files are safe. In addition to safely backing up your computer files, free online storage sites can also come in handy for temporary storage to share files, or to help send files that are too large for your particular email provider. The following online storage sites offer a small amount of online storage for free.

SkyDrive Online Storage
Microsoft’s SkyDrive online storage offers 25 GB of free storage for your computer files. You can store documents, photos, power points, videos or music. SkyDrive is also operational on your iPhone. Upgraded accounts are available if you need more storage and features.

Dropbox Online Storage
Dropbox file storage site offers you 2 GB of free storage space. When you save a file to Dropbox, it automatically saves to your phone, computer and Dropbox website. You can create folders and invite anyone to share that folder. You can work on projects together from the Dropbox folder. Dropbox works with your mobile devices so you can bring your files with you where ever you go. All of your files are protected and encrypted. Dropbox will keep your files for 1 month for free. Upgraded accounts are available.

4Shared Online Storage
4Shared Online Storage offers 10 GB of free storage. 4Shared gives you the ability to share your music, videos, photos, and files online.

MediaFire
MediaFire online storage offers free unlimited online storage of your files. Uploads and downloads are unlimited. MediaFire also offers advanced sharing features to share your files with others online. Your files are safe and secure.

There are many free online storage sites to back up your computer files available today. Other honorable mentions are; YouSendIt, Megashares, Senduit, Box and Omemo just to name a few. The major difference with these free online storage and file sharing sites is the amount of storage you get, and for how long you can store your files. All of these sites have upgraded packages that cost only a couple of dollars a month. Not a bad price to pay to know that your valuable computer files are safe and secure.

Depending on the amount of storage you need, using a free online storage site is a sensible move. Your files and photos are important to you, and you really don’t want to risk losing them. If more storage is needed, you can upgrade to one of their packages. Whatever you do, don’t wait until something unforeseeable happens. So, before purchasing an online backup service, check out the free online storage sites first.