Cloud Storage VS. Hard Drive Backups – Which is Really Better?
If you have made the decision to start performing regular backups of your computer, you may be struggling with what method to use to accomplish this. External hard drives have been the recommended go-to option in the past when there were fewer reasonable alternatives. With recent advancements made in cloud storage and backup technology, however, there is extra value you don’t get with external hard drives, such as ease of use, online tools, automation, accessibility from anywhere, security and overall value. You will find that cloud storage and backup has many benefits over traditional external hard drives.
One of the main benefits of cloud storage is accessibility. Having your files safe in the cloud allows you to access your files virtually wherever you go with an Internet or cellular connection. You will never have to fumble with cords to hook up a drive, nor will you be restricted by location. This also means that you don’t have to keep track of several drives or devices. Simply navigate to the provider’s software or website and log in for access. This simple process used to access your backed up files can also be a time saver, preventing the need to locate and connect a physical drive.
Cloud storage also eliminates the need to use flash drives to share smaller files among coworkers, family and friends. Choosing a great cloud provider will provide you with options for sharing your files via various means such as email, or even by simply sharing a link. Once again, simply log in, choose how you wish to share, and then send your files without having to connect a device or meet in person.
Reputable cloud storage providers will offer redundancy for your files by saving your data on multiple servers. You can rest assured that if one server fails, you will still be able to access your files as if nothing ever happened. If all of your files were on one external hard drive that experienced failure or damage, your files would be lost. Simply dropping your hard drive could result in damage. One accident and your files could be gone forever. By having multiple copies of your files spread out to different servers on the cloud, you are ensuring that your files will be there when you need them, no matter what.
If you store a lot of very personal information on your computer, security is a big concern. Choosing a good, reputable cloud storage company means that you will receive top of the line encryption and security features. This can help eliminate the chore of setting up your own advanced security and firewalls at home. In addition to top-level encryption, most providers will also have consistent anti-virus scanning and their own solid, state of the art firewalls. In addition to these concerns, your physical hard drives can end up being stolen. When your files are in the cloud, this risk is eliminated.
If you are like most people these days, you also have a great deal of documents, photos, music, videos and other important information you wouldn’t want to lose, which may also be stored on your smart phone or tablet. These types of devices are not easily backed up with a physical hard drive, and most device manufacturers who offer cloud backups or file transfers for free often require that you allow them certain levels of access to your files to check for pirated content and may decide to block you from using any of your files that they don’t think you have the right to use. By using a cloud based back up provider that is dedicated to protecting your privacy, you can easily upload and save copies of your items privately and securely without digital rights or copyright checks. This allows easy backup, sharing and restoration of your files across all of your computers and devices.
You’ve already made the smart choice to back up your data. Choosing to do this with cloud storage will lead you into the process with ease and provide a great, convenient service for years to come, regardless if it is for personal or business use. These benefits, as well as many others, are making cloud storage the new recommended solution over traditional hard drive backups. With most plans being affordable and easily accessible, you can get started within minutes.
