We use the internet for so many things these days that it makes perfectly logical sense that we should use it for online backup and storage. With online backup we are able to safely secure our data incase of an onsite disaster, sync our files with multiple devices easily, and share our content with our friends and family. The market of online backup can be kind of confusing though, so you need to know what kind of features you are looking for. Do you plan on backing up significant parts of your computer, songs, movies/videos, pictures, or documents. This is the main question you should be asking your self when choosing your online backup provider. Also are you willing to pay for the service?

  In my opinion and experience backing up documents and small files online gives you the best benefits and ease of use. Because documents don't take long to upload you can easily and rapidly save your files online. Also because of their small file size, you most likely won't need to purchase more online storage space. So lets discuss a few back up utilites, listed in no specific order.

  I have had about 2 years of experience with Dropbox and I have had nothing but great experiences. Dropbox is very convenient to use because of its integration with your file systems on your computer. You can upload your files via their website, but by installing Dropbox onto your computer it creates a special folder that automatically syncs with the Dropbox servers. This saves a lot of time when uploading files because all you have to do is save your file into the Dropbox folder. Like most free backup utilites you are given 2 gigabytes of space, but you can increase this by recruiting new members. If you have enrolled tens of people and still need more space, fear not, you can always purchase more space.

  Mediafire is a very nice service if you are uploading a lot of small files. Mediafire provides you with unlimited storage space with one stipulation. All of your uploads must be under 200 megabytes. This upload cap is how they accommodate for all the "FREE" storage space. If you are only uploading songs, documents, pictures, or low resolution video then this utility definitely deserves a look.

  If you are at least some what up to date on the world of technology then you probably have heard of Google's different applications. Google's "Docs" application is a very straight forward concept. If you have a google account then you can use this feature to upload your files. It is not much different then other uploaders, gives you 2GB free, can download your files, and so on. What it does have different though is the ability to create word, powerpoint, and excel documents right in your browser. So if you do not have Microsoft Office then you can kill 2 birds with one stone here. Take care of your back up needs and text document, slideshow, and spread sheet needs with one service.

  Mozy is a scheduled back up tool that comes free for 2 Gigabytes and then an unlimited plan for $4.95 per month. Once you install mozy on to your system you set what files you want to automatically update and how frequently. Mozy also has a feature that many students would find very useful. Mozy has the ability to backup files while you are working on them. So long gone are the days of working 5 hours on a term paper and having your computer crash when you haven't saved in 2 hours. That paper can be constantly reuploaded for a specific amount of time while you are still working on it.

  Are final contender in our upload utility round up is the service Carbonite. Like Mozy, Carbonite is a scheduled backup program and will upload only what has changed in the file. This increases speed since the whole file does not have to be uploaded again. Unlike a lot of back up services Carbonite does not tease newcomers with a set data limit. Carbonite simply offers an unlimited plan for $54.95 a year. You can use Carbonites website for uploading if you are on a different computer or the installed program if you are at your main computer. Carbonite does not give you a physical copy of your data upon request, so if you need to do a lot of restoring, plan on some serious downloading.

  So now hopefully you are little more aware about online backup and the options you have. These were only a small fraction of the options out there so if you have any suggestions for online back up please tweet them to me @CamCon586. If you have any questions you can obviously send me a message on youtube or contact me @CamCon586 on Twitter.