Since beginning our trip around the world in January 2012, we have taken a truckload of photos and created thousands of important files and documents. People often ask us how we back up and access such large amounts of data. Until a few weeks ago, our answer was always Dropbox. But now, HoneyTrek has a new favorite cloud storage solution…IDrive! First, let me explain why cloud storage change your worldrkflow (if you’re not using it yet) and I’ll tell you why we chose a new winner: IDrive and Dropbox.
What is cloud storage?
- When files from your computer, phone, and other devices are continuously and automatically backed up (without any user interaction) to a secure server (Offsite backup solutions are vital in the event of theft/fire/damage etc.)
Why do I need cloud storage?
- Have you ever lost important files, photos or documents due to a computer crash?
- Have you ever been traveling and wished you could access a file?
- Have you ever wished you could access files on your work computer at home and vice versa?
- Do you take a lot of photos and need a way to back them up and access them on the go?
- Do you have multiple computers and want to always have the latest version of every file (without having to email files back and forth)?
- Do you want to send large files/images/videos to family, friends or colleagues?
…I could go on and on about the reasons for using online file storage, but hopefully these examples are enough to pique your interest.
How does cloud storage work?
- Create an account on IDrive (Note: You can try the service for 15 days and get a $15 refund if you are not satisfied))
- Download the IDrive program to your computer
- Open the app and click on the “SYNC” tab on the left (See screenshot below). Choose where to place your “My Sync Folder” (I like to store mine on my desktop so it’s always accessible and top of mind). Then add all files (Word documents, Excel files, photos, music, anything on your computer) in this folder.
- Whenever you modify or add a file in this folder, IDrive backs it up to its servers using 256-bit AES encryption (Bank websites have the same security).
- Take a deep breath and know that your files will be seamlessly updated, securely backed up, and accessible whenever you need them. If your computer/hard drive fails, just install iDrive on the new computer and your files will be automatically restored!
Why are we big fans of IDrive?
- Back up unlimited PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, tablets, or virtually any device into a single account (Only one account is required per couple/family)
- 256-bit AES encryption using personal keys that are not stored anywhere on the server
- IDrive Rewind can restore earlier versions of files
- If you have a lot of files, they’ll send you a 3TB drive to speed up your initial upload and save bandwidth. free!
IDrive vs. Dropbox: The Biggest and Best Differences? price!
- 1,000 GB account (with Drobox) = $100/year
- 2,000 GB account with IDrive = $52/year
- While we love and use all of the IDrive add-ons, the bottom line is that both services actually do the same thing… keep your files in sync across all your devices and securely back them up in the event of disaster. The main problem is, Would you rather pay $100 for 1,000 GB of space on Dropbox or $52 for 2,000 GB of space on IDrive?
Switch to IDrive
If you want to know (Or a little nervous) About the process of switching from Dropbox to IDrive… we can tell you that it’s very simple. You install IDrive on your desktop, then simply copy every file currently in Dropbox to the folder you choose in “My Sync Folders” and then allow a day or so for the sync to complete. We know moving all your files to a new service can be scary. We felt the same way, so we continued using Dropbox while testing IDrive during the two-week full refund period.
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Note: IDrive asked us if we would share their service with the HoneyTrek audience, and we told them we would only do so after we tested it ourselves and were able to successfully run our business using only IDrive…and here we are! If you use our iDrive link, we receive a small affiliate payment
