Backup is one the most important tasks for any computer user, yet it is often ignored until you lose critical files. Realizing this, Apple added automatic backups in Leopard with Time Machine. However, the external hard disk that Time Machine uses is probably sitting next to your Mac, so if a disaster happens to your home, your Time Machine backup gets destroyed along with your computer. Online backup services, such as MozyHome, back up your data to a central repository over the Internet, providing additional security. MozyHome requires a monthly subscription of $4.95 for unlimited backups for home users.

Mozy isn't the only online backup service. Apple's Mobile Me (formerly known as .Mac) currently includes 10 gigabytes of online backup for $99.00 a year. When you add music and photos into the equation, many of us have more than 10 gigabytes of data MozyHome's unlimited backup is an attractive option for home users with large media collections.

Like most backup systems, Mozy does an initial backup of all your data, and then backs up any files that have changed. To prevent slowing down Internet connections, Mozy's initial backup is very slow. In tests with a cable modem, Mozy took almost a week to back up 20 gigabytes worth of information. Obviously, if you have a disaster during that initial backup, Mozy may not be able to recover the file. New Mozy users should backup their critical files first and then add files after the initial backup. If you choose an online backup service, be sure to check with your ISP to make sure they don't have limits on uploads or downloads. The first time I used Mozy, my cable company hit me with a hefty surcharge for sending too much information through my cable modem.

To begin using MozyHome, you have to purchase a monthly or yearly subscription, and then download and install the software. After installation, an icon on the right side of the menu bar accesses Mozy’s features.

MozyHome Menu Bar Options

Mozy uses the concept of “Backup Sets” to guess which files you want to protect. Examples include Application Preferences, Microsoft Word documents, and iTunes library. Mozy also includes other files or folders along with suggested Backup Sets.


MozyHome Sample Backup Sets

Mozy’s preferences can be set to backup the computer when it is idle or backup at specific time intervals, such as every day or every week. For laptop users who may miss these pre-set intervals, Mozy contains a Start Backup option under its menu bar icon, which forces an immediate backup.


MozyHome Scheduling Screen

by Dave Greenbaum, Editor