User's Manual

7. Online backup

The main reason for using Acronis Online Backup is that you will be able to keep your data secure by

storing off-site. Because your files are stored elsewhere, they are protected even if your computer

gets stolen or your house burns down. So the risk of data loss as a result of theft, fire, or other natural

disasters is practically eliminated. Online backup is basically a method of off-site data storage

whereby files and folders are regularly backed up on a remote storage. As a result, you can safely

recover any corrupted, lost or deleted files on your computer.

Of course, online backup is not without its shortcomings. If there is a problem with your Internet

connection, you could be left without access to your data for some time. And you won't be able to

boot up your computer from an online backup, so it is advisable to supplement online backup with

image backups to local hard disks.

The biggest drawback of online backup is speed. Even through a fast broadband connection, backing

up your data online will be much slower than backing up to a local hard drive. Depending on the

amount of data you want to store off-site, your first full online backup could last several hours,

though subsequent backups will take much less time, as you'll be backing up only new or changed

files.

If you decide to use encryption, the files will be encrypted before transmission over the Internet and

data will be stored on the Acronis Online Storage in encrypted form, so you can rest assured that your

private information is secure.

7.1. Creating an Online backup account

Performing backups to Acronis Online Storage requires subscription to the Online Backup service.

Select Back Up → Online Backup in the main program menu and then click the Subscribe to Online

Backup service link on the Online Backup Login window. This will open your web browser and take

you to the main Acronis Web site to continue registration.

If you already have an Acronis account, type the e-mail address and password for that account under

"Log in to Your Account" to the right. You will be taken to your account page where you will be able

to subscribe to the Online Backup Service.

If you do not have an Acronis account, fill in the appropriate fields, and the account will be created

for you. Provide your first and last names and e-mail address. You will be offered a country selected

on the basis of the IP address of your computer, though you can select another country, if you wish.

Then provide a password for your new account and confirm the password by retyping it once more in

the appropriate field. When you perform all actions necessary for account registration, please, wait

for an e-mail message describing the details of your subscription plan and expiration date. Now you

can perform your first online backup.

To keep your personal data secure, choose a strong password for your online backups, guard it from getting into

the wrong hands, and change it from time to time.

7.2. Recommendations on selecting data for storing online

Because online backups are relatively slow, you should think over what data to back up. First of all

consider backing up your personal data that cannot be recovered if lost as a result of fire, computer