Do You Need Online Backup?
Todays Mama asked if I would do a review for Mozy, an online backup system. I never really thought much about needed another backup system. I already have an external backup system in place. Then I thought about it…we are moving! Like I have to remind myself of this. Both my computer and external backup system are vulnerable to getting lost or damaged in the move. Another thought… what if something did happen to our house like a flood, fire or tornado? Most my files would be no big deal, but my pictures, my 5,000 pictures of my kids and my husband.., Our life! I could not believe I have not thought of on online backup system before. So as you probably guessed I have installed, worked with and now am giving you my review of Mozy an online backup system.
Downloading Mozy
I was given a product key, which is what you get when you purchase Mozy. I started downloading Mozy on Sunday at noon.
In two minutes the system told me I was not backing up and that there was an error.
I looked into the configuration, the online help, Mozy set up assistant and I called the number (no live person to talk with). I did not get any answers that would work. To be honest I was a little frustrated.
Then I used the online chat. The online chat was very helpful and all my questions were answered. All I had to do was provide my name and email address. Then we typed back and forth what the problem was. It did take a while before we decided to uninstall and do a reinstall but after I did that everything worked smoothly.
Backing Up Files For The First Time
Backing your files up for the first time can take some time and by time that means days. I wondered would this make my computer run slow? I need my computer every day to work! My computer is backing up as I write this review and it is not being slowed down. Once your files are backed up then you can configure your general settings. This means you can have your files backed up during your choice of time and your choice of frequency. 
My Final Thoughts
If I did not have the glitch setting up Mozy I would be totally thrilled and wondering why I did not set up Mozy online backup three years ago! For the cost of about one Starbucks trip a month I can feel safe, secure and have the peace of mind that I will always have my pictures, movies and any necessary documents backed up safely! I recommend securing your computer files with an online backup system and I am grateful that Todays Mama came to me so that I could experience this sense of peace before I move. Thank you!
From Mozy:
Mozy Online Backup: Simple. Automatic. Secure.
With the recent explosion in digital information, moms are accumulating massive amounts of irreplaceable digital family photos and videos, music collections, business documents, financial documents and more. This information is primarily being stored on their computers’ hard drives and other mobile devices.
Every computer is vulnerable to failure and data loss. The most common forms of failure and data loss are hard drive crash, theft, loss, viruses, natural disaster, and accidental deletion.
Mozy, from Decho, is the most trusted online backup service for consumers and businesses. Copies of backed up files are securely stored in world-class data centers, protecting them against data loss as a result of computer failure.
Please note the following Mozy features:
1. Mozy supports Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
2. During the backup process, all files are protected with end-to-end encryption from the end users computer to the data center.
3. Mozy runs automatically in the background, meaning you don’t ever have to worry about your backups. With Mozy you can just set it
and forget it.
4. Mozy backs up open and locked files, meaning there’s no need to close down critical applications such as Outlook, Word, or Excel
during the backup process.
5. Mozy performs block-level incremental backups, meaning after the initial backup only new or changed portions of files are backed up.
This saves bandwidth and ensures future backups are lightning fast.
6. Mozy offers near continuous data protection, meaning new and changed files are automatically detected and backed up.
7. Mozy retains 30 days worth of file versions.
8. Mozy offers multiple options for restoring files.
9. MozyHome offers everyone 2 GB of free storage. Paid subscriptions cost $4.95 per month, with discounts given for yearly and
biennial billing.
10. Mozy offers free 24/7 email support and live chat for MozyHome Unlimited customers, as well as an online Knowledge Base for
basic troubleshooting.
FAQ
What service does Mozy offer for free?
Mozy offers 2 GB of free online backup with MozyHome. That’s enough space to back up 6,000 digital photos, 580 songs, or three CDs worth of data. It’s more than a trial period—no credit card is required, it never expires, and it’s free forever.
How long should a backup take?
Depending on the speed of your broadband connection and amount of data being backed up, the initial backup can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. The initial backup will take the longest since you are transferring gigabytes of data over a broadband connection while subsequent incremental backups are usually completed in a few minutes. As a rule of thumb, most users are able to back up 3-10 gigabytes per day.
What is the cost of the MozyHome service?
MozyHome costs $4.95 per month. Customers who purchase an annual contract pay $54.45 and are given one month of free service. With a biennial contract, customers are given three months of free service, for a total cost of $103.95.
How does Mozy make sure my computer doesn’t run slower when backups are occurring?
Mozy allows you to configure how much of your computer is used during the backup process so other applications can run unimpeded by throttling your bandwidth. You can set Mozy to throttle bandwidth usage at all times or only during a specified period of time.
How does Mozy secure my data?
Mozy takes privacy very seriously. MozyHome gives you the ability to select your data’s encryption method: a Mozy-generated key utilizing 448-bit Blowfish encryption or your own personal key utilizing 256-bit AES encryption.
During the backup process, all files are first encrypted with 448-bit Blowfish or 256-bit AES locally on the end user’s computer. These encrypted files are then sent via a 128-bit SSL connection—the same encryption used in online banking—to a world-class data center. All data centers are have 24/7/365 on-site monitoring and security, state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression systems, redundant power distribution units, and seismic safeguards that can withstand a 7.5 magnitude earthquake.
If something happens, how can I get my files back?
Mozy offers several ways to restore your files:
• Via the Mozy software client
• Web-based restore
• DVD restore
• Right-click Windows shell restore (Windows only)
• Virtual drive restore (Windows only)
For detailed information on how to restore your data, please see the Windows or Mac MozyHome User Guide.
How do I know if Mozy is going to be around 1, 3, 10 years from now?
Mozy is the flagship offering from Decho Corporation, a division of EMC. EMC is a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company.
Peace of Mind – Only $4.95/Month! Get Mozy Unlimited Online Backup.
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Great Mozy review! Keeping photos and videos safe of your amily is one of the best reasons to use Mozy. If you have a minute please come and share your experience of installing and using Mozy and leave a link to your review. I am sure others will find it useful.
I personally feel mozi’s interface is a bit complex to understand. There are a lot of very good online backup services available now days. I would recommend BackupandShare.com to all users, it is the easiest I have seen so far and with almost everything you need as an online backup application. I switched to this service after trying out few renowned services and I must admit I made a right decision. No complaints from my side for BackupandShare.com
Thanks for taking time to review Mozy. We don’t want any one to ever lose important family photos or documents because of a computer malfunction. We have more than a million people who have signed up for Mozy and protect more than 20 million gigabytes of information.
I want to add that if anyone runs into an issue or has a question about Mozy, we’re happy to help. If we can’t work out the issue, I’m happy to give them the money back.
Devin Knighton
devin@mozy.com
http://www.mozy.com