As online backup services become more popular we are beginning to notice that people are using these services as their only backup.  We do not recommend that you use an online backup service as your one and only means of safeguarding your data.

Online backup services should be used only to supplement a well planned local backup, i.e.,  backing up to your secondary drive, external hard drive, or burning to a DVD, etc.

Online backup services are not perfect, and there are a number of scenarios in which you could lose your data if you do not have a local backup.

We recommend that you use a local backup software in combination with your online backup service.

Ideally, you would use software that creates a full-system backup (operating system, programs, and your data).  This way you could return to your computer's previous healthy state should a major problem arise.

UPDATE:  We're happy to say that Carbonite now offers full-system backups with their HomePremier and HomePlus plans.  See our Carbonite Review for more information.

To protect our systems and data here at OnlineBackupTopTen.com we utilize local backups (both partial backups and full-system backups), and an online backup solution.  This is the ideal backup plan for most individuals and small businesses.

If you have any questions or need advice on your backup plan, just call the computer experts here at OnlineBackupTopTen.com:  1-855 THETOP10 (843-8671)