Technology has brought many tools and luxuries to modern society, the most widespread being the computer. With computers, however, comes a dependency upon electronically stored data and the equipment that controls it. This equipment is not foolproof and can weather, malfunction, and even break from old age and damage. When the hardware stops working, the data that is stored on that hardware is lost. Fortunately, computers and technology have brought another amazing tool to society: the Internet. With the Internet comes the ability to store data on other hard drives, servers, and even virtual machines through online backup services. This article will examine a number of online backup options.

What is Online Backup
Online backup simply involves using the Internet to store data on other hard drives and servers rather than, or in addition to, storing it on the user's computer. Some online backup services only allow users to manually upload their data to a server while others include software that periodically scans the user's computer for new or updated files and uploads them automatically. Likewise, some programs are free and some require that the user pay a fee or subscription. The following online backup services have been separated into Free and Premium for the user's convenience.

Free
Windows Live Skydrive
Windows Live Skydrive offers users 25 GB of free, password-protected online storage space that doubles as a data sharing center. Users can decide who can see, download, and upload files to their account and each account includes its own web address for easy access. Adding new files is simple and only requires that users drag and drop the files into their browser. Furthermore, users can access their account from anywhere in the world.

ADrive
ADrive supports many of the functions that Windows Live Skydrive does but offers 50 GB of storage space rather than 25. The service supports FTP uploads, online editing, and cloud storage. ADrive also has a desktop client that allows users to easily upload, modify, and download their files without having to use a browser. ADrive also has a Signature plan for $6.95 per month and a Premium plan that ranges between $13.95 per month for 100 GB and 139.95 per month for 1 TB.

Dropbox
Dropbox is a free program and service that offers users a single storage and synchronization tool in which they can keep all of their files. Dropbox can be downloaded as an application on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even on mobile phones and users can simply drag files into it to have it appear on all of their computers and devices at once. Likewise, all of the user's Dropbox files are backed up online. Dropbox can also be used to share files and folders with friends, coworkers, and relatives. Dropbox is great for anyone who craves organization or just needs a way to synchronize their files.

Hybir Backup - Complete Online Backup

Premium
Carbonite
Carbonite is one of the most popular online backup services on the Internet and only charges $55 per year. In exchange for that, users are able to upload an unlimited amount of data to a series of Carbonite servers, encrypt that data to keep it protected, and retrieve it at any time with very little effort. Carbonite installs a small application on the user's computer that automatically scans for new files and uploads them without the user even knowing about it.

IDrive
While iDrive provides users with 2 GB of free online backup, it also includes a number of premium services for more elaborate needs. IDrive's Personal Package provides the user with 150 GB of storage space for $4.95, the Business Package includes 50 GB for $9.95, while the Family Package has 500 GB for $14.95. Both the Business and Family Packages allow use of up to 5 computers on the same account.

SOS Online Backup
While Carbonite is the most popular online backup service, SOS is, by far, the most awarded. Celebrated by over a dozen magazines and technical support communities, SOS provides basically the same features as any other online backup service but with a few more features. SOS allows for automatic backup to their servers but also offers the ability to save files to the user's USB drive or iPod whenever available. SOS Online Backup charges $19.95 for 2 GB, $29.95 for 5 GB, and 15 GB for $49.95.