Online backups vs external hard drive backups – that is the question. The truth be told, they are both excellent solutions for backing up your computer files and data. Each has its pros and cons and neither one is a panacea to your backup needs. Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of each:

Online Backup:
This is when you backup your files by uploading them to a remote, secured server via the Internet using services like Carbonite.

Here are the positives of this type of backup solution:
1. Protection from data loss
2. Your files and data are kept safely “offsite” so you’re protected from computer theft and local disasters like fires and flooding
3. Online backup services are convenient and affordable
4. Your files are securely stored at all times

Here are the negatives:
1. Slight risk relying on another company
2. Slight risk of having your files and data compromised
3. Restoring and retrieving files can take longer than hard drive backups

External Hard Drive Backups:
This is when you backup your computer by copying files and data to external hard drives.

Here are the positives of this type of backup solution:
1. Instant and easy access to your files and data
2. Peace of mind knowing your files and data are in your physical possession

Here are the negatives:
1. Your hard drive used for back ups can crash just like your computer!
2. Having your files and data stored locally can be at risk for theft and other disasters like fires and floods

So which one do I recommend? I recommend both online backup and external hard drive backups. I backup my files using a 500GB external hard drive and I use Carbonite online backup. By doing local and backups and “offsite” backups, I get the best of both worlds. If my computer crashes I have immediate access to all of my files via my external hard drive. And in the rare event the external hard drive doesn’t work (or gets lost or destroyed), I still have access to all of my files through Carbonite.

Related posts:

1. Easy Steps to Data Recovery From Hard Drive
2. Don’t Fix It Yourself! How To Handle Hard Drive Failure
3. What Makes Hard Drive Data Recovery Expensive?