This is the Windows backup software I’ve tested or installed for others.
Software I Recommend
Carbonite Online Backup
Carbonite is the software I recommend to friends and family who need easy to use and reliable backup software for Windows only.
For Windows
Website: www.carbonite.com (aff link)
Carbonite provides a 15-day trial but unlike Mozy does not have a free account or provide Mac Support. Carbonite’s greatest strength, and why I frequently recommend it, is it’s ease of use. The user interface is simple and straight-forward. Carbonite is what I recommend to non-technical friends and family. The lack of settings and features is a plus when you don’t want to worry about things going wrong. If all a person does with a computer is surf, email, listen to music and save the family photos then Carbonite is a a good choice.
Software I’ve Tried
EMC Restrospect Express 7.5
This software is included with many external drives. I used the version that shipped with the Western Digital My Book external drive.
Key Articles Related to the Software
WD Digital 500GB Drive w/EMC Restrospect Software for Windows - First look at the hardware and the Windows software included with the drive.
XDrive
XDrive is an online file sharing and storage service offered by AOL.
When I looked at XDrive back in December 2006 it had too many problems to be trusted as a backup solution. Refer to my posts for details about the problems encountered.
For Windows and Mac (web only on Mac)
Website: www.xdrive.com
Pricing: Free for 5GB of space/$9.95 per month or $99 a year for 50GB
OS Support: Windows using Desktop software. All OS’s using a supported Browser. Safari and Firefox are supported. Their System Requirements page includes a browser compatibility test.
During the uploads XDrive made maximum use of the upload bandwidth on my DSL line. I ran some speed tests prior to the uploads and monitored the line during the uploads. When the uploads worked the bandwidth used met or exceeded the speed tests.
Xdrive isn’t cutting it and I’m no longer considering it. Here’s why.
Popularity: 2% [?]
