Labs

Backup software

Backup Direct Data 4G [Computer Buyer]
COMPANY: Backup Direct	PRICE: �10inc VAT per month
RATING:	ISSUE: 201 DATE: Dec 07

Verdict: A fair service, but Carbonite is better. Easy-to-use online backup with good file compression, but considering the limitations it's not very good value.

With Backup Direct you choose from a number of account types, the most suitable for home users being the £10 a month 4GB option. As well as backing up specified files and folders, the software allows you to back up your Outlook email folders (if you know where to find them). Usefully, you can also choose to allow other users of Backup Direct to access your files - handy if you want to share data. The client software is easy to use, and large files are compressed to impressively small sizes, allowing you to make the maximum use of your space on the server.

The program took 56 minutes to back up 480MB of data, a rate of 1.4Mbit/sec. Bear in mind that uploading is always slower than downloading, so your connection ultimately limits the speed.

Like Carbonite, Backup Direct can only be accessed from a PC with the client software installed, and you get less space for your money.

By Karl Wright