US Backup Systems

I Destroyed Windows XP Tonight

OOOPS! My desktop Windows XP system wouldn't print to the HP LaserJet printer so tonight I downloaded and installed new printer drivers. One problem: after installation, the Windows XP system immediately locked up. Control-Alt-Delete did nothing. I eventually powered off, waited a few seconds, then powered it on again. A few seconds later, a message appeared on the screen: "Boot: Couldn't find NTLDR - Please insert another disk"

That is NOT a good message!

Another Online Backup Solution

Online backup services are popping up everywhere – and for good reason. I would suggest that every computer user needs a good backup plan that includes storing of data off-site. Anyone who has data worth keeping needs to have at least two fresh backups at all times: one stored locally near the computer and another stored some distance away. The distant backup provides insurance against theft, fire, floods, hurricanes, and other local disasters that will destroy local backups, along with the computer(s).

Online backup services have been around for years, serving commercial customers at rather high prices. Commercial services, such as Iron Mountain Digital, typically charge $100 a month or more to back up data off-site. Mozy was the first company to successfully go after the consumer marketplace and then has been followed by many others. I currently use Backblaze to back up the Macintosh and Windows systems in my home and am pleased with that company's $5 a month service.

Now still another company is advertising its services to consumers, and at attractive prices. Best of all, some of its services are FREE for personal use.