Online Backup keeps your most important files safe and secure so you can focus on more important things. This new service is available for both Windows and Mac computer users.
What is Online Backup and who should use it?
Arvig's Online Backup is any easy-to-use service that automatically backs up the files on your PC using your existing high speed Internet connection. Your files are securely transmitted to a state-of-the-art data center, where they are available for recovery at any time. The service is for every person that wants to safeguard critical PC data such as: photos, music, videos, emails, financial data, documents and anything else.
What are the odds I'll really ever need to restore my data?
The odds are greater than you might think. Many people lose data as a result of computer viruses, hard drive crashes, natural disasters and even plain old human error—such as accidental file deletions. Think about what would happen if you lost everything on your computer today.
Why should I use Arvig Online Backup instead of other options?
Online Backup is the easiest way to securely and remotely backup your data. You won't have to waste time burning CDs or moving files onto flash drives or external hard drives. You won't have to check that the job's been done—or worry that it wasn't. You won't even have to remember to backup: Online Backup does it automatically, as long as your PC is connected to the Internet.
Is my data safe while traveling across the Internet?
Yes. All of your data is secured in transit using proven, Government-standard 128-bit SSL encryption. This is the same level of protection provided by banks and financial institutions around the world.
Can anyone else access my data?
No. Your data is accessible only by you. In addition to protecting your files while traveling across the Internet we have also taken steps to encrypt your individual files with 128-bit AES encryption before leaving your computer. This ensures they are protected throughout the entire process.
Can I use my existing Internet connection?
Yes, you can use your existing, high speed internet connection. Online Backup works best with at least a broadband Internet connection such as DSL, cable modem or a wireless high speed network. Arvig strongly recommends a high-speed Internet connection for use with Online Backup, a dial up connection can be used but the backups will take longer to upload.
Will Online Backup affect my PCs performance?
Online Backup uses advanced technology to minimize the impact on your PC, so you can keep working effectively even while the backup is running. And, of course, you can schedule your backups for late at night, so they'll typically happen while you're not working. In addition we've built in adjustable bandwidth throttling that enables you to further ensure backups don't interfere with your everyday use.
What Operating Systems are supported?
Online Backup works with any Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 computer. In addition we also support Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) and above.
How long will my backups take?
The very first backup after installation will take the longest and can run from a few minutes to a few hours based on the amount of data you backup and the speed of your Internet connection. Once the initial backup is completed, daily backups typically run in less than 15 minutes and in most cases you won't even notice. Online Backup uses what are called differential backups, which means that it only backs up portions of your files that have changed since the last time they were backed up. This saves lots of time, bandwidth, and storage space.
Can I schedule an automatic backup?
Yes. Once setup is complete you can schedule the backup time to best suit your needs or leave it at the default setting that will check for changes to your files every 30 minutes and automatically backup to ensure you're always up to date.
Can I start a backup manually?
Yes. Once setup is complete, daily backups are automatic and do not require any action on your part to run. But if you want to manually start a backup, you can use the Backup Now function found within the Online Backup console.
How do I know my backup was successful?
Just open the Online Backup console through the program menu or by right clicking the Online Backup system tray icon and view the Status tab to check the status of your recent backups including a view of all your computers and devices using the service.
How long are my deleted files kept?
Your deleted files are kept for 30 days after your most recent backup. Each backup represents a full copy of your data as it existed on the date it was backed up. At any time you can delete these retained files freeing up additional storage space.
What happens if my PC is not connected to the Internet?
If your PC is not connected to the Internet, the backup cannot occur. Online Backup will automatically try to back up again when the PC is connected to the Internet or on its next scheduled run. If you missed an automatic backup and want to back up right away, you can initiate a backup yourself using the Backup Now feature within the Online Backup console.
How can I retrieve my data?
Your data can be retrieved by opening the Online Backup console and clicking on the Restore tab. From here you can find the data you'd like restored and simply click the Restore Now button. Online Backup will put the data back in its original location without any further actions.
How long will retrieval take?
Retrieval of individual files will typically take only a few minutes. If you lose all your files and need to retrieve a large amount of data, this can take several hours depending on the amount of data and the speed of your broadband connection.
How many earlier versions of a file can I store in my account?
Online Backup backs up your files each day and by default stores the five most recent versions. In addition to storing the five most recent versions of current files, Online Backup will retain deleted files for up to 30 days.
What if I want to backup more than one PC?
Online Backup can be installed on an unlimited number of computers at the same time. If you install on multiple computers, each will use the same account and storage quota and will be visible in the Online Backup console. Arvig offers different storage levels: 250GB/$14.95 a month, 50GB/$5.95 a month and 5GB/$2.95 a month.
What kind of help can I get?
Arvig offers phone, chat, and email support to you at no extra charge. The hours are Monday - Friday from 8am - 10pm, Saturday from 9am - 10pm and Sunday from 10am - 4pm. If you need assistance with Online Backup, click on the Request Assistance link within the console, go to arvig.com and click on the Live Support Online link, email us at helpdesk@arvig.com or call us at 877-290-0560.
Any suggestions on what I should back up?
Online Backup has several suggestions about what you may want to back up on the Backup tab within the Online Backup console. These suggestions are called "Common Filters" and represent common categories of files for you to consider. We generally recommend that you back up data that is difficult to replace, like photos, email, contacts, financial records, and office documents. You can also create your own custom backup sets by selecting specific files and/or folders as well.
Will Online Backup back up my entire disk drive?
Online Backup was made to back up your most important files (music, email, contacts, photos, financials, etc.), but not your system and application files, which are easy to restore via your original CDs. Backing up application and system files and attempting to restore them from Online Backup is not recommended or supported.
Does Online Backup support network drives? What about external drives?
Online Backup does not support network drives or any drive not seen as a direct local "fixed" drive on the Operating System.
