The Windows version of Carbonite will keep multiple versions of backed up files. Adding or removing files from the backup is done using the right mouse button and the Windows context menus. (According to the Carbonite website, the Home version will only backup internal drives whereas the HomePlus and HomePremium versions will also backup external drives.) The backup software integrates with Windows Explorer, adding green dots to the file icons of any backed up file. Any file or folder can be added to the default backup if it is on a local (internal) drive formatted with the FAT32 or NTFS file systems. On a Windows PC, Carbonite backs up everything in the Documents and Settings folder, including the desktop, favorites, and all other files except for temporary, log and video files. Terms require users to pay (indemnify) Carbonite's losses if they relate to improper actions by the user. Terms also disclaim any warranties and damages, require arbitration in Boston, and disallow class action suits. Carbonite offers telephone support to recover from ransomware viruses. They also delete files which were deleted by the user more than 30 days before, or when payment ends. The Terms let Carbonite delete files with or without notice, but normally they keep the three most recent versions, and one version per day for the past week, one per week for 3 weeks before that, and 1 per month for 2 and 3 months ago. If the user manages the key, user can only access files from the backed up computer ( File Explorer/This PC/Carbonite Drive), Īnd if that computer is inaccessible, the user must upload and let Carbonite manage the key before accessing the backed up files from another computer. If Carbonite manages the key, users can download files to any computer. Users cannot make the key private later if they initially let Carbonite manage it. Windows users can manage their own key by selecting 'Advanced' during installation. This would help law enforcement if Carbonite can give them the encryption key, which they can for all Mac and most Windows users. The terms allow Carbonite to release information to law enforcement upon demand or if Carbonite suspects illegal use. Videos and files larger than 4 gb require manual backup in the base-priced version. The 2017 PC Magazine review found that a few audio files and photos were omitted from the backup without obvious reason. The program is designed to automatically back up user-generated content including text documents, spreadsheets, financial documents, photos, music, etc. The encrypted files are stored on 15-drive RAID 6 storage arrays. (This of course requires that the user's computer be continually connected to the internet, and the speed of the internet connection will impact system performance.) Data is transmitted to the servers using a secure SSL link. Each file is compressed and encrypted using a 128-bit Blowfish encryption before it is sent to remote servers at the company's data centers via the Internet.

This client software automatically seeks out new and changed files on the user’s computer and backs them up using incremental backup. Product details Ĭarbonite Online Backup installs a client software program on the user’s computer that operates continuously in the background. Īt one time in its history, Carbonite was named 'Best Windows Backup Tool' by Lifehacker, 'Labs Winner' by PC Pro, and 'Editor's Choice' by NextAdvisor, but received only 'two mice' in a MacWorld review putting it second to last. Previously, all online backup services were priced by the gigabyte many other vendors have since changed to an unlimited model.Ĭarbonite offers two separate lines of products: Carbonite Home and Home Office for individuals, families, and one- or two-person businesses and Carbonite Small Business for businesses with three or more computers. Carbonite was the first such service to offer unlimited backup space for a fixed price.

It is named after carbonite, the fictional substance used to freeze Han Solo in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. It backs up documents, e-mails, music, photos, and settings. In 2019 it was acquired by Canadian software company OpenText. is an American company that offers an online backup service, available to Windows and macOS users.

Carbonite DoubleTake DR