Need a reliable online cloud backup solution?
"At work, we have a small workgroup with 8 computers running Windows 10. We also have a WD My Book Network Drive with one folder open to all computers, configured as drive Z. Now I'm looking for a network hard drive backup solution that would allow me to automatically back up the Z drive to another drive daily. Any recommendations for free network backup software?"
Data protection isn't just about your local hard drive – it includes data on the network as well. For this, you need a reliable network backup software that can back up shared files on the network. Backing up your local computer to a network also makes sense, since you won't have to carry any portable storage devices around as long as you have Internet access. Storing your backups in a separate location safeguards them from hardware failures.
But do you know the best network backup software? Don't worry; this article will introduce the best network backup software – Todo Backup Free, which allows you to back up data to a network drive or NAS for safekeeping. Now, let's delve into the details to effectively back up shared drives or files to a network location.
Related Reading: How to Back Up Windows 10 to a Network Drive | How to Automatically Backup a Folder to a Network Drive
What is the best online backup software?
For reliable free network backup software, we recommend Todo Backup Free. It provides you with a safe and user-friendly network backup solution for Windows 11/10/8/7. It comes with various flexible and advanced features, such as full backup, differential backup, and incremental backup, which can be used to back up network shared files.
Related reading: Top 10 Local Backup Software Recommendations for 2024
It also allows you to back up network shared files to local hard disks, removable storage devices, and networks. Also, you can back up local hard disks to a network. You can manage image files to compress, encrypt, split, update, and delete them. You can also restore image files when you need the data.
❤️ Key Features of Online Backup Software:
1. Automatic Backup: Automatically sync your files and data on a regular schedule or in real-time, ensuring your data is always up to date.
2. Multi-Device Sync: Access and sync your backup data across different devices like computers, phones, and tablets.
3. Cloud Storage: Securely store your data in the cloud for reliable protection and easy access.
4. Encryption: Protect your data with advanced encryption standards to safeguard privacy and security.
5. Version History: Keep different versions of your files to restore earlier versions in case of accidental deletion or changes.
6. Data Recovery: Quickly and easily recover lost or damaged files from your backups.
7. Space Management: Offer visual tools to monitor and manage your storage usage.
8. Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
9. File Sharing: Allow you to share backed-up files or folders with others.
10. Security Settings: Include two-factor authentication and other security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
These are some core features of online backup software, which may vary depending on the provider.
- Back up network shared files to external hard drives, NAS, cloud storage, safe zones, etc.
- Support various backup types: full backup, incremental backup, differential backup.
- Offer 250 GB of free cloud storage space.
- Safely back up files, disks, system, and application data without losing any information.
- Compress and encrypt backups to ensure the security of your backups.
RELATED: [Complete Guide] Backup Windows 11 to NAS (Network Drive)
How to back up data using network backup software?
The steps for backing up data with network backup software typically involve:
1. **Choose suitable backup software**: First, select a network backup tool that suits your needs. There are numerous options available, such as Acronis True Image, tools Todo Backup, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
2. **Install and configure**: Download and install the chosen backup software. During installation, you may need to create an account or enter a license key. Follow the software's instructions to configure settings, including backup frequency (daily, weekly, monthly), time, and what data to back up.
3. **Select data to back up**: Determine which files, folders, or specific data you want to back up. This could include documents, photos, videos, music, or other important files. Some software allows you to choose specific file types or entire hard drives for backup.
4. **Set backup destination**: Specify where you want to store the backups. For network backups, this is usually a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Make sure you have sufficient storage space and a stable internet connection for uploading.
5. **Create a backup schedule**: Set up a backup plan according to your requirements. You can choose to back up immediately or schedule automatic backups at specific times.
6. **Start the backup**: Once all settings are in place, initiate the initial backup. This might take some time, depending on the volume of data being backed up.
7. **Monitor and update backups**: Regularly check the status of your backups to ensure the data has been successfully backed up. Update your backups as new files are added or modified to keep them current.
8. **Restore data**: If needed, you can recover data from the backup. Most backup software offers a straightforward recovery option, allowing you to select the files or point in time to restore.
Remember to follow the "3-2-1" rule for data safety: have at least three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy kept offsite. This ensures your data is protected even in cases of hardware failure or catastrophic events.
With the best network backup software – Todo Backup installed, it's time to put it to work backing up your network shared files. Follow these steps to ensure your files are safe and sound.
Step 1: To start the backup, tap “Choose Backup Options.”
Step 2: There are four backup types: Files, Disk, System, and Mail. Click on Files.
Step 3: On the left, all local and network files are displayed. You can expand directories to select backup files.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a location to save your backup.
Click on Options and set a password for encrypted backups under Backup Options. Then, click on Backup Schedule to specify when the backup should run, either at certain events or according to a customized schedule. You can also choose additional options to tailor the backup process to your needs.
Step 5: Backups can be stored on a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS.
Step Six: Todo Backup lets users back up their data to third-party cloud storage services, as well as to its own.
If you want to back up to a cloud drive provided by a third party, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add and sign in to your cloud device account.
You can also choose to back up to the Tool Cloud. Sign up for a Tool account and then click Tool Cloud and log in.
Step 7. Click Backup Now to start the backup process. When it's done, the backup job appears as a card on the left pane. Right-click the backup job for further handling.
To back up network shared files using incremental backups, see the following document. (When backing up network shared files, you should choose File Backup.)
Note: When backing up network shared folders as described in the document above, there is only one small difference. On the page where you choose which files to back up, select the letter of the drive that you mapped.