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If you own a small- or mid-sized business (SMB), you may have not thought about implementing an email security strategy. Why would you? Hackers and spammers go after the big businesses, not the little ones, right? That reality may have been true a couple of years ago, but it isn’t anymore. Hackers and spammers do not discriminate. If you are in business, you are a potential target.

Hackers and spammers continue to use the usual weapons. They assault businesses with spam, viruses, and malware. They have changed their assault plans, though. They may still use some of the garden-variety techniques, but they increasingly use hybrids. Their motivations have changed, too. In the past, hackers may have hacked for the thrills. Some still do. Many, though, are motivated by greed or politics. Groups like LulzSec and Anonymous are even scarier; they have an actual cause that motivates them to act.  

Some businesses dismiss the potential for such attacks because they view them as merely nuisances. The attacks may interrupt productivity, but, in the business owner’s mind, that’s the only result. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Attacks on a business can result in data breaches, financial loss, compromised data of both employees and customers, compliance violations, and losses of reputation. Any one of those things has the potential not only to interrupt productivity and services but also to destroy the business. Most SMBs don’t have the resources of Sony or Lockheed Martin. If their systems are compromised or if they lose their clients’ trust, they may not ever be able to recoup their losses.

Fortunately, more email security solutions are available to SMBs these days. They aren’t exorbitantly expensive. They aren’t so complex that an organization can’t implement them. Most of the current solutions are available in one of three formats: as software, as an appliance, or as a hosted service. Software is the traditional security solution, but it requires active maintenance by IT personnel. An appliance requires less maintenance since it updates automatically, but, again, the SMB must be able to provide the necessary infrastructure for the appliance, and it has to implement the appliance without creating redundancies in that infrastructure. A hosted service usually works on a subscription basis and is the easiest to use since a third-party is responsible for it; however, the solution can be a drawback for businesses that do not want a third-party - no matter how trustworthy - to have access to their emails.

Regardless of which email security solution a business chooses, the business must guarantee that the solution will grow with the business and provide adequate protection. Businesses should look for email security solutions that include the following: configurability, multiple antivirus engines, email exploit engine, anti-phishing engine, intelligent spam filtering, self-service spam quarantine, and data loss prevention. Businesses may not need all those features, but they should consider them when evaluating software products, appliances, or hosted services. 

Is email security important to you and your business? How do you decide which email security solution to implement?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Norton DNS is a secure Domain Name System tool that takes a readable domain name, such as www.idselpaso.com, and translates it into an IP address. The tool was released as a free beta tool this spring by Symantec as part of the Norton Everywhere initiative. The tool is now out of beta, but it remains free to use.

Norton provides more than a basic DNS service. In addition to translating domain names correctly, Norton relies on Symantec's site reputation services to identify and block sites that phish or host malware. As a result, your computer never even has the chance to connect to potentially dangerous sites. 

Norton has also solved one of the problems that many people interested in DNS-based security face: network configuration dialogues. Computer professionals have no problem with network configurations, but everyday users may find them daunting. Norton has simplified the DNS process to such an extent that all you have to do is choose between Windows or Mac. You merely download the appropriate tool from Norton and let it run in order to configure your network settings. 

A secure DNS service is a great addition to your current security measures. It prevents server-side attacks, which can redirect normal web traffic to malicious sites. It can process DNS requests faster, and it doesn't require constantly running software, making your browsing speed that much faster. Several options besides Norton, such as Google's Public DNS and Comodo Secure DNS, exist for secure DNS service, but, at the moment, Norton's is the easiest to install and try.

Source: PCMag

I like pretty things. No, I love pretty things, so let's just say that I'm easily distracted by the neatest and newest PC screens and accessories. I have yet to leave a store with one of those pretty things - unless I absolutely needed it - but I've seen it happen to other customers. They become so entranced by the newest thing that they are persuaded to purchase that item. Of course, there's no guarantee how easy it will be to use that item once the customer is at home without the help of the lurking sales associate. In addition, there's no guarantee that the purchased item is actually what the consumer needed.When looking for a new computer (and we're not going to get into the PC versus Mac debate here), consumers have all kinds of options: netbooks, laptops, and desktops. Even when the consumer decides upon one of those categories, such as a desktop PC, more factors have to be considered. Some of these include budget, intended use, and brand.

• Set a Budget: This may be an obvious step, but it's amazing how many buyers enter a store without a set budget. The result? The buyer leaves the store, surprised at how much he or she spent.
• Who and What: Who is going to use the computer? Is it a family computer or a business one? What is the computer's intended use? If the PC's main use is for email and surfing the web, a less expensive PC is the obvious choice. If the PC is going to be used to play the latest MMORPG, be prepared to pay a higher price for RAM, processors, and graphics cards.
• Consider the Brand: When it comes to computers, most people tend to choose from trusted brands. As with brand-name clothes, brand-name computers are more expensive. If the manufacturer isn't an issue, you may want to consider the lesser-known brands.
• Look at the Case: Many manufacturers sell mini-desktop PCs. These are great if you aren't planning to add more hard drives or graphics cards. If you're planning to use your computer to play games or to use other high-end applications, though, you are going to need a larger case for your future expansion needs.
• Choose the Processor: The processor is the heart of the computer, so you need to choose it carefully. Intel Atom and Celeron processors typically are the lowest performing chips. They work well for emails, web surfing, and other light use but are inadequate for video editing and playing the latest games. For any serious PC use, it's best to choose a multi-core processor. Multi-core processors can execute more than one instruction at a time, which boosts performance. For the truly hardcore PC user, six-core processors, such as the AMD Phenom II X6 or the Intel Core i7, are the only way to go.
• Memory: A computer's speed and performance is affected not only by the processor but also by the amount of memory. Most users only need 4GB to run most applications, including games. If users are accessing multiple high-end applications, they're going to need 8GB of memory or more. 
• Hard Drive: The hard drive also affects a computer's performance. The cost of hard drives is falling all the time. Most computers come with the standard 500GB. Upgrading to 1TB often isn't very expensive and is the newest recommendation due to the increasing demands of data storage. Users who plan to store thousands of high-resolution images on their computer or to perform video editing should have at least one 2TB hard drive.
• Graphics Cards: Most computers have integrated graphics on their motherboards. For light use, the graphics can be fine. For more serious use, such as gaming, an additional graphics card is an absolute must. The card should have at least 512MB of RAM although 1GB is recommended. It's also a good idea to check online reviews of graphics cards before visiting a store or ordering one; many reviews test the cards against popular games for comparison purposes.
• Sound Cards: Computers are typically sold with at least 5.1 sound facilities. For most applications, including games, the sound quality will be adequate. Serious gamers or users who have multiple speakers will need to upgrade to a dedicated Dolby Digital 7.1 sound card.
• Software: Windows 7 Home Premium usually is a standard install on computers. Most consumers rarely need to upgrade to the Professional or Ultimate versions unless they are purchasing the computer for business use. As a general warning, avoid purchasing any desktop PC installed with Windows Vista.
• Screens: Bigger sometimes is better, and, anymore, upgrading to a bigger screen isn't a huge expense. If you're a gamer, you're going to want a 24-inch display with a two millisecond response time. For other users, 20-inch or 22-inch displays work well. The only difference between the two is that a 22-inch display usually allows for full HD video to be played.
• Keyboard and Mouse: There are many, many options when it comes to purchasing a keyboard and mouse. They can be wired, wireless, or networked. It's best to test the keyboard and mouse at the store before deciding to purchase them. Sure, the wireless mouse is cool, but is it comfortable? Do you really want all of those extra buttons on the keyboard or mouse?

The next time you decide to look for a new computer, remember to evaluate what you need prior to entering the store. Set a budget and determine how you will be using the computer. Performing these early evaluations can keep you from overspending and from buying a product you don't need.

Source: Suite 101 Technology

A computer is only as good as its hardware. One of the most important components is the processor (CPU), the heart of the computer. It is primarily responsible for carrying out the computer's functions and the instructions of computer programs. While the form, design, and implementation of CPUs has changed over the years, the CPU's fundamental responsibility has remained the same. No matter the scale of the CPU - from a cell phone to an automobile or super computer - the CPU still has to carry out the computer's functions efficiently and effectively.

In terms of computer processors, CPUs generally fall into one of three categories: single-core, dual-core, and multi-core. Most consumers are familiar with single-core processors; they are the standard install for many computers. Single-core processors are fed strings of instructions they must order, execute, and selectively store in their cache for quick retrieval. When data outside the cache is required, it is retrieved through the system bus from RAM or other storage devices. Accessing these outside sources requires the performance speed to slow to the maximum speed allowed by the bus, RAM, or storage device, which is much slower than the CPU's speed. The problem is magnified when multi-tasking; the processor now has to switch between two or more sets of data and programs, depleting CPU resources and worsening computer performance.

Dual-core processors are a necessity for the person wanting to do more than browse the web and reply to emails. They are particularly useful to consumers who multi-task applications. In a dual-core processor, each core handles incoming data simultaneously. Dual-cores share resources; one core executes instructions while the other one accesses the needed data. This means increased efficiency and speed, all other factors, such as bandwidth, being equal. 

If dual-core processors are faster than single-cores, multi-cores should be the fastest. Multi-core processors, unlike dual-cores, don't share resources. Multi-cores have two or more separate processors with their own resources. The cores are then integrated onto a single circuit die, also known as a chip multiprocessor or CMP. In some cases, the cores are integrated onto multiple dies in a single chip package. This results in faster performance speeds because signals between the cores travel shorter distances and are less likely to be degraded. In addition, the higher-quality signals allow more data to be sent in a given time period but at less frequent intervals. Most consumers see the effects of a multi-core processor when running CPU-intensive processes, such as antivirus scans, ripping and burning media, or searching for data. For example, a consumer with a multi-core processor should experience less lag when simultaneously playing a computer game and running an antivirus scan.

Of course, processors aren't the only factors in performance speed. Other factors include the operating system (OS) and software applications on the computer. For example, multi-core processors require adjustments to both the OS support and existing application software in order to work at their prime. In addition, the system bus and memory bandwidth can create limitations, regardless of the processor. In some cases, dual-core processors have out-performed multi-cores because their systems have better bandwidth or operating systems.

Source: WiseGEEK

Silver bullets may be able to resolve problems with werewolves, but they don’t exist in the information technology world. They simply don’t. It would be nice if they did. They would make life simpler. They would reduce the stress levels of information technology personnel. Unfortunately, no one, single solution exists when it comes to protecting data.

Security silver bullets are, more often than not, the selling points of so-called information technology “experts.” Such experts guarantee that a business’ data will be safe. They then are nowhere to be found when that data is breached or lost. They’ve disappeared, often with a large sum of a business’ capital.

When it comes to protecting a business’ data, business owners have to take responsibility and become involved in protecting that data. They can’t rely on their vendors solely; if they do, they are going to experience problems when those vendors aren’t available to answer questions. The business must have dedicated, in-house personnel who understand the applications, software, or hardware that has been purchased. That same personnel also should maintain some, if not all, control over those things.

Businesses, too, have to understand that a security strategy must be all-encompassing. They can’t address one issue without reflecting upon how that issue began or how it impacts other processes. If they only address the one issue, they aren’t dealing with the root cause. Employing such a strategy inevitably means that they will have to “band-aid” the issue again and again. Resolving the root cause may be expensive, but it will be cost-effective long-term.

Businesses also can’t expect their security processes to run on autopilot. Security processes have to be maintained. Even if automatic updates are available, someone in the business still needs to check those processes on a regular basis. Besides, some of those processes may become outdated or aren’t applicable to a business anymore. Reviewing security processes ensures that businesses are using the tools that best meet their needs.

Businesses also have to remember that their organizations are comprised of people. People make mistakes. They may become over-reliant upon a particular process. When that process breaks, those people may not know what to do. They might panic. They might not share information as they should.

It’s because of such things that businesses must have security checkpoints and strategies. They can’t rely on a simple checklist. They can’t hope for a silver bullet. They have to be active participants in their security strategies and processes, and they have to be vigilant.

Google Apps are beloved by most people. It’s easy to see why. Google Docs is a wonderful collaboration tool. Gmail has one of the better spam filters. Google Reader makes it easy to organize one’s reading habits.

All those things are fantastic, but they tend to cater to individuals and small businesses. Once those small businesses start to grow, they sometimes encounter problems with scalability. The tools that once aided in their success now impede it.

For instance, Google provides very little customer service. Most of the time, people are directed to the forums where they then have to wait for a response. They aren’t given an expected response time, which can be detrimental when the question relates to their business’ infrastructure.

Another problem is that Google sometimes cuts products with very little warning given to end users. That reality could be problematic for a business using one of those products. What happens to the data the business stored within the product? Will the business be able to meet its customers needs without access to that product? Can the data be recovered?

Google also has no interest in furthering a business’ goals unless that advancement is to Google’s advantage. Google makes its living mining data. It could care less about satisfying the needs of the individual people who use the products.  If businesses expect customization of applications or products for their specific needs, they are sadly mistaken. All that matters is the data, and that data influences the decisions Google makes, not the people behind that data.

Do you use Google Apps for your business? Why or why not?

We all want to protect our computers from the viruses and scams out there. We want to keep our information safe, and we want to keep our kids safe. The only way to do that is to spend some time investigating the best and worst security suites available.

Some of the newest suites have been available for a couple of months, and some suites - such as ZoneAlarm Extreme Security and Norton 360 - haven't been released yet. Thus, our list of best and worst is based on preliminary results. As we come across better or worse suites, we'll let you know. 

The list is based on factors such as firewalls, spam filters, malware removal, parental controls, performance speeds, and more. Some suites received very good reviews in one or two areas but aren't considered the best overall because of missing key components, such as TrustPort's lack of a firewall. The best and worst for 2011 include:

1. eScan Internet Security Suite 2011 ($65.95 direct for three licenses): This suite isn't even worth buying. The suite lacks good antispam and parental controls. It's better than last year's version, but it can't compete with the other suites. 
2. Outpost Security Suite Pro 7.0 ($49.95 direct for three licenses): This particular suite is attractive to experts because of its experts-only features. The features can't disguise the suite's lackluster ability to protect against viruses and other malware. Because of the "expert" features, this is a suite better left alone by non-experts.
3. TrustPort Internet Security 2011 ($68.25 direct for three licenses): TrustPort provides good antivirus protection, but that's its only strong suit. Its competitors are better at removing malware and thwarting malware attacks. TrustPort's other components, including a non-existent firewall, are weak in one way or another.
4. BullGuard Internet Security Suite 2011 ($29.95 direct): BullGuard features a decent spam filter, but its core antivirus protection is wanting. In addition, its firewall is out of date. BullGuard provides 5GB of online backup, but other suites provide more space and better backup services.
5. AVG Internet Security 2011 ($54.99 direct; $68.99 for three licenses): AVG's security suite offers three things that the free antivirus doesn't: an accurate spam filter, a bland firewall, and an expensive price tag. It's hard to justify paying for the suite. Add a free firewall and spam filter to the free antivirus, and you'll have a decent security suite.
6. PC Tools Internet Security 2011 ($49.95 direct for three licenses): The antivirus and antispyware are excellent, particularly against rootkits. The same can't be said of PC Tool's firewall and antispam. If you choose PC Tools, know that you will need to install an additional, top-notch firewall and antispam components.
7. Panda Internet Security 2011 ($81.95 direct for three licenses): Panda's suite hasn't received any huge updates since last year. Its firewall isn't great; it failed to withstand simple attacks on its services. Its malware removal capabilities are all right. Basically, the suite is good but not stellar.
8. F-Secure Internet Security 2011 ($59.99 direct for three licenses): F-Secure is constantly improving its DeepGuard malware-detection technology, but the technology doesn't make up for the other components. Those components are good but not stupendous. F-Secure falls into the same category as Panda; for overall protection, you're better off looking elsewhere.
9. Ad-Aware Total Security 1.0 ($49.95 direct; $59.95 for three licenses): Ad-Aware has a noticeable impact on performance speed, especially boot time. The suite includes standard security components. Most of those are good; however, other suites provide stronger components. Ad-Aware also provides online backup and system tune-up.
10. Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2011 ($59.95 direct; $79.95 direct for three licenses): Trend Micro's weak malware removal abilities lessen its overall performance power. Its other components work without slowing performance speed. Trend Micro also features an excellent backup system; it offers 10GB of online backup, syncing capabilities, remote access, and secure sharing of files and folders.
11. BitDefender Total Security 2011 ($69.95 for three licenses): BitDefender doesn't have a great anti-malware system. It does feature a performance optimization tool and fantastic phishing protection. BitDefender includes a full-featured, albeit technical, online backup utility; however, it only has 2GB of online storage.
12. McAfee Total Protection 2011 ($79.99 direct for three licenses): The McAfee suite builds on McAfee's antivirus. The suite adds accurate spam filtering, an encrypted file vault, ineffective parental controls, and some other additions. Dedicated McAfee fans may want to purchase the extra "bells and whistles'; others will prefer a full-bodied, consistently high-performing security suite.
13. Webroot Internet Security Complete 2011 ($79.95 direct for three licenses): This suite features a simple, yet powerful antivirus protection, 10GB of online storage, a flexible file-sharing system, and a beautiful password manager. The firewall is a little wonky; it bombards you with warnings about both malicious and valid programs.
14. Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 ($79.95 direct for three licenses): Kaspersky has no measurable impact on performance speed. The suite features an impressive firewall and strong parental controls. Kaspersky also has some unique tools, including its tune-up utility and password manager.
15. Astaro Security Gateway Version 8 Home Edition (Free direct): Astaro is quite impressive, but it has to have its own dedicated PC. If you have a spare computer, take Astaro for a test run. You'll need some serious network skills to manage installation and configuration, but you'll gain Enterprise-level gateway security for your network. 
16. Norton Internet Security 2011 ($69.99 direct for three licenses): Norton remains the reigning champ for the moment. The suite's already impressive components have been refined further during the past year. Norton has also added a new interactive panel that provides information from Norton's web-based services. 

Source: PCMag

The abundance of anti-virus programs can be overwhelming. How do you know if the program will protect your computer adequately? How do you know which program is the best? The answers to those questions depend upon your computer and how you are using it. 

It's difficult to rank anti-virus programs since each one differs from another, and each one has benefits under certain circumstances. In order to decide upon a program, you have to identify what needs you and your computer have. For example, do you spend a lot of time online? You will need a program that is going to run quietly in the background, without disrupting your bandwidth. Perhaps you often e-mail confidential documents and need a firewall that is going to provide extra security measures to your incoming and outgoing mail.

The following programs aren't listed in any sort of order. They are some of our favorites, but we don't recommend using all of them at the same time. Instead, we identify what needs you currently have and what needs you may have in the future in order to provide you with the most comprehensive anti-virus package possible. Our favorites include:

1. Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft released their anti-virus program in 2009. The program is beautiful in its simplicity, but it does its job as a guardian against viruses and malware. Security Essentials is perfect for a person who isn't particularly computer savvy and can be used on a home or work computer. Another bonus? It's completely free, and there are no upgrade options for which you have to pay. 
2. AVG: AVG is one of the better-known programs, probably because it has been protecting computers for years and years. AVG is synonymous with free. Why? AVG offers one of the best malware protection programs for free, although the program will send constant reminders that you can upgrade to the paid professional version. When upgrading your free version, make sure to pay attention to what you click; the "free" option is only available via a very small link at the bottom of the page.
3. Avira Free: Avira is very easy to use and akin to Microsoft Security Essentials. It's a lightweight program, so it's not going to slow down your "surfing" too much. Avira does have a paid version, but the company isn't nearly as pushy as AVG in selling it.
4. Avast! Free: Besides an awesome name, Avast! also has a remarkably complete and free anti-virus protection service. It not only provides all-around protection, but it will also keep a watchful eye out for trojans and spyware. Like AVG, Avast! will constantly remind you that you can upgrade to their pay-to-use service.
5. Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes is a great supplement to whatever anti-virus program you currently have installed on your computer. Malwarebytes doesn't constantly run; rather, it will only perform its function when you call upon it. If your anti-virus program runs into a problem that it can't handle, try running Malwarebytes. The program can usually take care of any form of malware thrown at it.
6. ComboFix: ComboFix should only be used when your anti-virus program and Malwarebytes have failed you. ComboFix is a serious program; it can only be accessed from a command window. Use extreme caution with this program. If you don't know what you're doing, do not use this program. Using the program without knowing how it functions can have devastating effects on your computer.
7. Clamwin: Clamwin is probably our least favorite because it's not the greatest tool. The program isn't easy to use, nor does it offer real-time protection. The program merely scans. Still, it can't hurt to have another free tool at your disposal.
8. Panda Cloud Anti-Virus: Panda Cloud is an exciting anti-virus program. Since it's working with "the cloud," it only works when you're online. The upside? Your virus definitions are always up-to-date. The downside? It's constantly accessing your network connection. The service is perfect for underpowered PCs that are constantly accessing the internet, such as netbooks. Netbooks, though, typically are better served by programs such as the Jolicloud. The Jolicloud gives you a functional netbook operating system that's immune to almost all viruses.
9. Comodo Firewall and Anti-Virus: Comodo is mostly known for its free firewall, but it also offers a bundled firewall and anti-virus program. The anti-virus doesn't protect against non-virus forms of malware. It also isn't the easiest to use. If you're interested in having both a firewall and an anti-virus program, though, Comodo is worth a look.
10. Common Sense: If you're putting yourself at risk by opening suspicious e-mails or visiting suspected malware sites, not even the best anti-virus programs and firewalls are going to protect you. You have to be smart while surfing the web. 

These are only a few of the available anti-virus programs. Which one you choose to use is completely up to you. We do recommend that you keep Malwarebytes readily available for any problems that your preferred anti-virus program can't handle. If you're not sure what anti-virus program is right for you, or you suspect that your computer is infected, give us a call. We'd be glad to help. 

Source: Make Use Of

Even though Windows 8 won’t be available publicly until some time next year, it’s hard not to be affected by the excitement about the new operating system. Developers already are getting their “feet wet”; Microsoft opened Windows 8 to them this week. The rest of us have to wait for the operating system to make its debut, but, even with only a peripheral glance, it seems promising for both personal and professional use.

Windows 8 will introduce some new items as well as improvements to existing systems. One new item is Windows 8’s ability to work with ARM architecture. ARM architecture is the basis for ARM chips, which are found in many smartphones, e-readers, and netbooks. With this development, Windows 8 won’t be limited to the desktop computer anymore, which could, in theory, make it easier to share work between your desktop and tablet or netbook.

Windows 8 also is “smart.” Its new interface draws upon the design of the Windows Phone 7, meaning that it relies on an “app” premise. The interface co-exists with the more traditional desktop design, so you can switch between the two interfaces as needed or desired. The interface also rests upon a “touch” system, which makes sense considering the operating system’s coordination with ARM architecture.

The new operating system has built-in cloud features, too. When you upgrade to Windows 8, you will be able to connect to an existing SkyDrive account or to create a new one. Files can be saved to SkyDrive and accessed as though they are stored on your local machine. Windows 8 also allows you to link SkyDrive across devices, such as your desktop and laptop, which could help with information security.

SkyDrive isn’t the only component that lends itself to increased security; Windows 8 is introducing or improving a number of other, security-related features such as Windows to Go and BitLocker. Windows to Go is a bootable USB storage device that contains a copy of Windows 8 as well as your business apps, data, and settings. You can use that device on almost any system and complete your work. Once you’re finished with that work, you log off the system and remove the USB device, leaving no information or data on the system itself. BitLocker is an encryption feature that was introduced in earlier versions of Microsoft’s operating system. Improvements have been made to the feature in order to help reduce the risk of unauthorized data access and to make BitLocker easier to use.

What do you think about Windows 8? Which features are you anticipating? Let us know in the comments.

Given the fact that multiple online backup services are on the market, it's incredible that many of us still don't backup our personal and business data. We know the stats: up to ten percent of the world's 700 million computers crash every day; 50 percent of businesses that lose their data never open their doors again; and only six percent of internet users backup their data daily. Even with those facts, we seem to have been lulled into a sense of false security when it comes to our data.

Backing up your data online makes sense for three basic reasons. One, data is stored off-site on secure servers. If you lose your computer to a fire or a flood, your data is still safe. Second, online backup is automated. Forget those pesky CDs and flash drives, which are susceptible to property damage and data corruption. Online backup services usually backup your files on a daily basis, ensuring that your data gets from your machine to the off-site storage. Third, online backup means immediate access to your data regardless of which web browser you're using. Some online backup services even allow you to share data with your contacts via email or a web interface.

Choosing an online backup service involves several considerations. For example, do you need to be able to sync data between multiple computers? Some online backup services incorporate syncing, but you may have to purchase an actual syncing service, such as SugarSync or DropBox. Syncing services allow you to keep folders on multiple computers up to date with any added or changed files. In addition, they often keep a copy of your folders in the cloud, so you could use a syncing service as a quasi-form of online backup. Another consideration is what happens to a file that is accidentally deleted from your computer. Most online backup services keep all previous file versions, but only some services, like SOS, keep files that you delete from your machine. A final consideration is price. You can expect to pay five to ten dollars per month for a reasonable amount of backup; however, that price may or may not include a myriad of things, such as unlimited storage, backup of external or network drives, or multiple computers. Some of the favored online backup services include:

• Carbonite: $54.95 per year for one PC with unlimited storage. This service is a good one; it features unlimited remote backup storage and marks backed-up files in Windows Explorer. Carbonite has several limitations, including a lack of file sharing or viewing, live protection, and an inability to backup external or network drives.
• IDrive: $4.95 per month per PC with 150GB. This service is functional but not necessarily impressive. It still has some rough edges, and it doesn't allow users to mix Macs and PCs. It does feature a web interface, version saving, and fast operation.
• IDS Remote Data Backup: Prices vary. Users can have duplicate copies of files; lost files can be restored in a matter of hours; and restore points are setup according to users' specifications.
• MiMedia (beta): $10 per month for 50GB on unlimited PCs. MiMedia offers hands-off, automated backup, the ability to play media files online, and a cloud-based disk drive. For anywhere access to your digital media, MiMedia is a good choice, but SOS and DropBox are better.
• MozyHome 2.0: $54.45 per year per one PC. Mozy's service is easy to use and to setup, but it only supports one computer per account. It also doesn't allow users to backup removable or network drives. 
• Norton Online Backup 2.0: $50 for 25GB on up to five PCs. Many security software providers now offer online backup services. Norton's supports multiple PCs, including Macs, and has a very nice web-based user interface.
• SOS Online Backup Home Edition 4.7.4: $9.95 per month for five PCs and up to 50 GB. SOS still offers the best online backup service. It features multiple PC coverage, external and network drive backup, a local backup app, and even an iPhone app. It also provides "Live Protect," an application that watches folders for file changes and backs up any discovered changes immediately.

Source: PCMag