Overview

Carbonite is an affordable online data backup service for your Mac or PC.  You computer is filled with irreplaceable files and Carbonite allows automatic, secure backups of an unlimited amount data.  You get a small management program for your computer to set up the backups once and then they run automatically after that.  Recovering you data is a process of a few clicks to get it back.

Review

Installation – 8

Installing the Carbonite management tool is a relatively simple process following the wizard.  While the installation takes place you will notice your desktop being refreshed to complete the process.

Following installation you are guided through the basics of using Carbonite including an audio tutorial.

At the end of the tutorial you have the option of automatically backing up “My Documents” and your Desktop or you can manually choose what to backup.

Features – 8

There are plenty of features included for you to manage your backed up data.  The main Info Center is the desktop interface that allows you to control different aspects of your data.

Set up a backup schedule or allow them to run automatically.

Search support answers and find tutorials from within the desktop app.

A tray icon is displayed so you know that Carbonite is working.

You will know your directories are being backed up by a yellow or green dot next to the folder or file.  A yellow dot means it is pending backup and a green dot indicates it has been backed up successfully.

Ease of Use – 8

Everything you use to operate your backups is within the intuitive interface and setups are wizard driven.  You get a visual and audio tutorial to easily get things started.  You can choose to backup your own files and directories as well.  Just navigate to what you want to backup, Right-click and choose Carbonite and Back this up from the

While you can set a backup to execute on a scheduled basis, you can also have everything back up right a way.

You can access your backed up files from anywhere that has an internet connection by logging into your drive on their site.

View the progress of your backups while they are taking place.

Performance - 7

The only reason it takes a hit on performance is due to the slow amount of time it takes to copy data over to their servers.  The company is very up front in telling you it will take some time to get everything backed up however.  They estimate 2-3GB of data per day and if you use your computer a lot it can take longer as it slows down while you’re active to help save resources.  Other than that everything works very well.  You can access backed up file quickly, it doesn’t hog bandwidth while backing up, and the app is light on system resources.

Product Support - 8

They provide great ways to get support for their service.  You can actually search troubleshooting tips, FAQ, or watch tutorials on different categories from the Get Support section in the Info Center.

Click on Contact Customer Support and an email form is opened up where you can type in your message and attach any forms related to the question.  Our questions were answered within 24 hours though they allow a 24-72 hour window for responses.

Conclusion

Carbonite is really a nice online backup service that provides security and easy access to your data.  When you first start to backup your data expect it to take a few days though as the initial uploading time can take a while.  After that though you’re all set having piece of mind knowing your most important data is securely backed up.  The Windows version works with 32 & 64bit versions of XP, Vista, and Windows 7.  The Mac version works with OS X 10.4 and above.  They offer a free 14 day trial and the service is $54.95 per year after that.

Rating

• Installation: 8
• Ease of Use: 8
• Features: 8
• Performance: 7
• Product Support: 8