With an increasing number of web-based backup services coming online by the week, it is crucial for users to be very scrupulous while looking for the right one (one that meets all of their online backup needs). Some backup services do as very little as simply/merely only backing up files, while others offer more. CrashPlan is your thorough online backup service that backs up your files quickly—and it seems to do it all for you in single sessions/sittings. To top it all off, CrashPlan also backs up both onsite and offsite locations, which means you can back up to your friend’s computer or even a relative’s laptop—just as you can do onsite backup using your own computer and external hard drives.

Full Review

It’s very simple to get everything started with CrashPlan. It works on virtually every computer operating system from Windows to MAC, Linux and even Solaris, so you don’t have to worry about its compatibility. CrashPlan automatically updates to the latest version which means you are not required to download it again once it’s installed on your computer. Just like the rest of web-based back up services out there, CrashPlan offers free and premium plans. Once you have selected which plan you wish to subscribe to, you are ready to go.

After the software has been downloaded and installed, you must be linked to your account next. You will need to create an account to be able t o take advantage of their service.

As soon as CrashPlan is installed, all of your files or data are chosen to be backed up by default. On the other hand, you can deselect the folders or files you do not wish to backup.

What makes CrashPlan standout from the rest of online backup services out there is that it gives you the freedom to select and change destinations for backup. You may backup your computer online, to a friend’s or another computer. You can also choose to backup your files to another folder on your PC.

Features

Like some web-based online backup services out there, CrashPlan backup files and folders by default. You won’t see any pop-ups that are annoying. It will automatically resume whenever a backup is discontinued. It is also possible for you to backup your folders and files on attached or external hard drives. Even when you remove and re-connect drives later, CrashPlan can still backup your files without having to restart the backup. There are only a few online backup services out there that offer unlimited file size backup and CrashPlan is one of those. To make sure that you will have a full backup at one destination as soon as possible, CrashPlan does it job to backup to several destinations one at a time. First, it determines the order of your backups depending on which location will complete first. On the other hand, it also provides you the choice of backup scheduling especially if want to have power over backing up your files.

Seeded Backup and Restore to Your Door Service

When it comes to recovering your files or data, CrashPlan takes the job seriously. They can go back in time and select restore particular file versions based on date. You can also let the software know where you wish to save the files when you restore them or whether you wish to rename them or not. While it might take longer for CrashPlan to finish the initial backup, they proffer a “seed service” where they will send an external hard drive to use for your initial backup. After you send the external drive back to them, they will transfer the files or data directly to CrashPlan Central, which definitely saves a lot of time on your initial backup. Furthermore, if you need to restore a huge amount of data, you can also use their “Restore to Your Door Service” wherein they can ship your backup documents to your doorstep on DVD or a hard drive. You shouldn’t worry about the security of the files being shipped or delivered to your doorstep as your files on the drive are encrypted, making it very safe from hackers or prying eyes.

Far from other backup services out there, CrashPlan store your files that are deleted forever, except when you told them not to. Regardless how much time passes after a file has been deleted, you can still get it back. Files that are backed up to their data center are preserved for so long as your subscription to them is active.

Files Security

Like most web-based backup products, CrashPlan utilizes Blowfish encryption to secure your backup files safely. Even when you use your friend’s or other computer, other people or your friends can’t see the files’ names you have backed up to their PCs.  Furthermore, CrashPlan presents multiple archive encryption keys including an account password, a private password or a private data key for optimum levels of security for restoring your files.

There are other certain features though that you would not be able to make the most out of unless you have decided to subscribe to CrashPlan’s other premium packages. Some of these features are online storage, an interface that’s free from advertisements, continuous actual backup time, multiple backup sets, web restore, archive tampering detection and live chat, email and phone support. On the other hand, they have online support site at support.crashplan.com or you can e-mail them at their support email.

Pricing

CrashPlan initially backs up your computer or mobile device automatically and in multiple destinations for free. Should you opt to take advantage of their online storage as well, you will need to subscribe to CrashPlan+ where it includes 10 GB of storage capacity and ad-free interface for $24.99 per year (or as low as $1.50 per month.) Should you opt for their premium package, your files or folders will be backed up continuously and in real-time. You will have free upgrades for purchase period and live chat, phone and email support as well. On the other hand, if you need an unlimited storage space, you can subscribe to CrashPlan+ Unlimited and CrashPlan+ Family Unlimited starting at $49.99 to $119.99 a year.

Conclusion

With the option of multiple destinations for backing up your data, and the seed method where in CrashPlan will send an empty external hard drive to your doorstep, it is indeed worth a try. You can opt to backup your files locally, on your friend’s computer or online. However, for people who are not computer savvy, this software may not work for them because it presents too many options for one to restore or backup their files. The downside of subscribing to CrashPlan is that they don’t have the mobile access option wherein you can access your files on any smart phones. This means you won’t be able to access any of your files while you are on the go. If accessing of your files through mobile devices really counts, then CrashPlan isn’t the one for you.

Related posts:

1. CrashPlan vs Backblaze: A Review of Two Online Backup Services
2. CrashPlan Review

Support

Phone Support:
Email Support:
Live Chat:

Company Information