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What is file backup software?

by Casey Schmidt  |  September 21, 2019

3 min. read
A backup symbol digitally floating.

Whether you’re an individual user or a large company, file backup software is going to be a necessity at some point. Make sure you understand all the details about these systems and what they do. Here’s a complete guide.

What is file backup?

File backup is the process of archiving files to prevent them from being lost. Common ways a file is lost include accidental deletion, viruses, hardware failures and theft. File backup keeps a separate copy of the wanted file in a secure location such as the cloud or a different drive.

File backup software handles the entire backing up process from start to finish. It automates the file backup completely. It also adds different elements to the process, such as anti-virus features and other security tools.

Who uses file backup software?

Users with extensive important file databases use file backup software to keep their sensitive data secured at all times. Users at greater risk for file loss are more likely to use a file backup solution. This includes people who travel a lot and are forced to use potentially high-theft risk mobile devices.

A cloud with a computer mouse attached to it.
People with a lot of files use backup software.

Companies with sensitive data trust file backup software to automate their process, saving them time and securing their files. The more variables a company has when it comes to file security, the more they need backup software. For example, a company with high quantities of employees has a higher risk of accidental deletion of files.

Why use backup software?

If you have large amounts of files that you need to safely backup, chances are it will be too much work to go through and manually transfer files into safe backup locations. Therefore you’ll want to use some sort of backup software to automate the entire process.

If you’re worried about file security you’ll likely want to use a backup system as well. For example, if you’re storing your backup files on a cloud server, it’s possible the server gets compromised and your files are exposed. A lot of backup software systems provide their own encryption solutions and apply them to your files.

A keyboard with a backup key.
File security is part of the backup equation.

Some popular backup systems to consider

Now that you have a good understanding of why and when to use a file backup software system, it’s time to pick out one that best suits you. Here are some popular systems with unique features to consider:

  • Paragon Backup & Recovery. Paragon is a useful tool due to its wide-ranging coverage of possible problems with files. It manages and backs up your files with a lot of different variables in mind, keeping you fully protected.
  • Acronis. Acronis is unique in that it offers two different ways to backup files – locally and to the cloud. Acronis Backup lets you back them up on a local server. Acronis Backup Cloud lets users backup their files on the cloud.
  • NovaBACKUP. NovaBACKUP is so easy to use, it’s no wonder that it is such a powerful, popular option. Even though it’s a basic tool that doesn’t have advanced features, its interface is so simple that most users won’t care. Try out Nova if you’re looking for a purely fundamental, simple backup.

Your files are both valuable and vulnerable. Don’t wait for disaster to strike to back them up. Find a backup system which works best for you.