Is Anyone Familiar with ZipCloud?

[Sandie]

I got this is an email to download ZipCloud, and it sounds good(the price is right -free_) but was just wondering if its okay to use,or just something to slow my pc down. Thanks

ZipCloud :: Cloud Storage - Computer Backup and Online Storage



Never mind, it started backing up my files, and got only so far, then a window popped up saying if I wanted the rest backed up I have to choose a "pay" plan to do so, they didnt mention that in the ad.

 

[marsmimar]

Personally, I prefer backing up my computer to my own external hard drive. Basically, there are two kinds of backups: just personal files and data or an entire system image which includes everything on your hard drive (including the operating system, personal settings, documents, photos, music, movies, etc.)

From reading the features section of ZipCloud it seems it will only back up personal data and not the entire hard drive the way a system image would. If your machine crashes (for example, from a really nasty virus) it's better to have a clean system image.

FWIW

 

[Sandie]

When I bought this PC back in July, the book that came with it, said to make a Restore CD, which I did do, so am I correct in assuming what is on that is just operating system things, and obviously no personal files.What do I need to do to back it up to my external hard drive (and excuse the ignorance) but I dont even know what an external hard drive is, or where its located. Thanks

 

[marsmimar]

A restore CD (also called a recovery CD by some manufacturers) is supposed to let you restore your computer to factory specifications. In other words, get it back to the exact same condition it was in on the day you brought it home. So yes, you are correct ... the hard drive will be completely erased and replaced with the data on the restore CD.

An external hard drive is an accessory you'd have to buy separately. It usually plugs into your computer via a USB port with a single cable. If it's a very large capacity external hard drive it may also have it's own power cord in addition to the USB cable. Or, many computer cases these days allow you to add an extra internal hard drive but I prefer the external because you can easily unplug it and store it safely away. Here's a sample of external hard drives offered by Dell. Don't get put off by the prices because you can find some decent holiday sale prices now at online stores like Newegg, TigerDirect, or big box stores like Walmart, Best Buy, etc.

External Hard Drives : Storage, Drives & Backup | Dell

Once the external hard drive is plugged into your computer, it should automatically be recognized and be assigned a drive letter. (Your current hard drive is probably named C: and your DVD/CD drive is probably named D: ) The new external drive might get E: assigned to it. Windows 7 comes with it's own backup utility that can let you create an entire system image or backup just individual files. Some folks don't like the Windows 7 imaging tool because it doesn't offer a lot of flexibility compared to other free software like Macrium, Paragon, EaseUS, etc.

Making a system image is pretty straight forward. With Windows 7 you'd make sure the external drive is plugged into you computer. You'd access the imaging tool (click start button > control panel > backup and restore > create system image) and pretty much follow the prompts. Just as a very general guideline I've found that it takes about 25 minutes for every 50GB of data.

Hope this helps some. If you have any other question please post back.

 

[Sandie]

Thanks so much for your detailed explanation. I actually have to go to Best Buy today, I will check there, I always find the sales people there to be very helpful, anyhow. I think Im more interested in the External hard drive, not the adding of an additional internal one, sounds easier to me for one thing. Have a feeling I may be posting back here lol. Again TY for your help.

 

[alan10]

I know nothing about ZipCloud.

I see the benefit to me if they hold backups of my personal data.
Unfortunately a cynical voice whispers in my ear that perhaps they see benefits to themselves by holding my personal data.

 

[Sandie]

I know nothing about ZipCloud.

I see the benefit to me if they hold backups of my personal data.
Unfortunately a cynical voice whispers in my ear that perhaps they see benefits to themselves by holding my personal data.

Lol, never thought of it that way. that is so true!