Data Backup FAQ's

1. Can I backup more than one computer to my account?

Yes. The number of computers that can be backed up to your account depends on the Package Plan you purchased. Each computer must have its own unique username and password. All computers covered under your account share a "pooled" amount of disk storage space on the offsite backup server. Only SafeByte Pro allows for backup of multiple computers.

2. Can I backup my network?

Yes. Configure your SafeByte client software to backup files on a networked drive and it will. SafeByte customer support is available to assist with this sometimes tricky task.

3. Can I use my high-speed broadband connection?

Absolutely. This is in fact the preferred method for quickly accomplishing online backups. It is highly recommended for clients with large offsite storage requirements.

4. Do I have to install a special Internet line or other communication equipment?

No. SafeByte uses your existing Internet connection to transmit files to our offsite storage servers..

5. Does SafeByte work if my company has a firewall?

SafeByte client software establishes a "passive" network connection to the online backup server. It is therefore fully compatible with most popular firewall devices on the market today. This includes devices that employ network address translation (NAT.)

6. How do i know my files have been backed up?

SafeByte sends you an email progress report at the completion of each back up. This email will inform you as to whether the backup was successfully completed. If SafeByte experiences any problems with the back up the log files attached to the progress report will identify the files that were not archived.

7. How do I know that an online backup actually occurred?

SafeByte sends you an email progress report at the completion of each backup. This lets you know that your backup was completed. If SafeByte experiences any problem with the backup, the log files attached to the progress report email will identify the files that have not been archived or other trouble found.

8. How do I restore my data?

SafeByte lets you select individual files or folders for restoration. If you have a catastrophic loss, simply install the SafeByte client software on your new computer, connect to the Internet and restore all of your data up to the point prior to the unfortunate event. In order to recover you data, you must have your encryption key or recovery diskette created at the time you first installed the original backup client software.

9. How does it work?

Online backup’s works by automatically sending your data over your existing internet connection to an offsite remote storage vault. It does this at night while the business is closed and nobody is using the computer.

10. How long does a backup take?

The size of your backup, speed of your Internet connection and amount of compressed data being transmitted will determine the length of time for the backup. Backups can be incremental -- archiving only files that have changed since the previous backup -- or full, to backup all of your critical data. ADSL and ADSL2 connections are preffered connections. Your initial backup and all full backups will take the longest because it requires transmission of all data files in your backup set to the offsite storage - not just the data that has recently changed.

11. How long does it take to backup my files?

Backups can be incremental – archiving only files that have changed since the previous back up – or full, to back up all your critical data. The size of your back up, speed of your internet connection and amount of compressed data being transmitted will predicate the length of time for the backup.

12. How often is my computer backed up?

As often as you wish, because you set up the time and frequency that works best for your schedule.

13. How secure are online backups?

Very. You -- and you alone -- have access to your data files because SafeByte encrypts your data prior to transmission to our offsite backup storage vault. Military-grade encryption technology and a user-defined password (encryption key) ensure that nobody, including employees of SafeByte, can access your data. Compare this to the total lack of security on most tape, zip and CD/DVD drives.

14. Is my data secure?

Yes!
SafeByte secures your data through a combination of: Data Encryption, Network Protection, Physical Security.

Data Security – All your valuable data is encrypted. By employing defence grade encryption technology, it virtually becomes impossible for anybody to read your data. The client will receive an encryption key and it is the responsibility of the client to store it in a safe place.

Network Protection – SafeByte data vault is a network of purpose built servers. Each server performs only one function – securing your data. Operating software is mirrored on dual high speed disk drives.

Sophisticated network port blocking and packed filtering techniques are used to prevent unauthorised access to the server.

Physical Security – SafeByte servers are collocated in a carrier- grade data centre facility. All equipment is stored on racks in air conditioned room fully secured.
Security guards are on the premises 24 x7 with access to the collocation facility. Cameras and other security features are used to supplement the onsite security personnel.

15. Is SafeByte Software compatable with Firewall Protection Softwares?

SafeByte software establishes a passive network connection to the online server. It is therefore fully compatible with most firewall devices on the market today.

16. What happens if I lose my encryption key?

Unfortunately, encryption keys cannot be recovered. SafeByte recommends keeping a record of your encryption key offsite in a safe location. You can however opt for SafeByte to upload your disaster recovery key to a secure server.

17. What happens if my connection fails during a backup?

If a transmission is interrupted in the middle of a backup, the SafeByte software client will attempt to re-establish a connection and resumethe backup from where it was interrupted.

18. What happens if there is a Connection Failure during data back ups?

If connection fails during a back up the SafeByte software will attempt to re-establish a connection and resume the back up from where it was interrupted. If you forget to leave your computer on, this is also not a problem. SafeByte software will simply resume your back up schedule when you power back up your system. Files that have changed since your last back up will be identified and properly archived when it is time for the next scheduled back up.

19. What if I turn my computer off and miss a backup?

If you occasionally forget to leave your computer on, this is not a problem. SafeByte will simply resume your backup schedule when you power back up your system. Files that have changed since your last backup will be identified and properly archived when it is time for the next scheduled backup.

20. What if we already have a tape backup system?

Using both a tape backup system and an online backup system offers the best of both worlds. Critical files, like billing, customer contact files and databases can be backed up daily using the online backup service. The tape system can be used to create a full backup of the entire file system - including program files - once or twice a month. In this way, the tapes and the drive will last longer and require less maintenance. The online backup system can provide a quick and easy way to retrieve critical files and databases without the hassle of searching through tapes.

21. What is encryption?

Encryption is basically a mathematical formula that is used to scramble a data file. The only way to unscramble the file is with the proper encryption key. SafeByte clients have their own personal encryption key that is known only to them.

22. What is online backup?

Online backup works basically like regular (tape) backups, with one important difference. Instead of sending backups to a device attached to the computer, online backup works by sending data over your existing Intenet connection to an offsite remote storage vault. It does this (usually) at night while the business is closed and nobody is using the computer. It's completely automatic.

23. What is the SafeByte Service?

We specialise in providing a managed offsite backup service to small- midsized businesses, helping them safeguard their most critical computer data. Since we own and operate our backup servers and storage network we are able to provide clients with both high levels of reliability and exceptional value.

24. What operating systems does SafeByte support?

SafeByte will work with most PCs, laptops or servers running Microsoft Windows versions 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 2008 Server and Windows 7. Both 32 and 64-bit operating systems are supported. To ensure a minimum of software compatibility issues, please verify that you have applied the most recent service packs (software patches) to your system prior to installing the SafeByte client software. SafeByte software client will also backup remote volumes (files from other computers and operating systems) which are visible as a networked drive to your PC. SafeByte SOHO, Road Warrior and Educational will operate in a PC or Mac environment.

25. What tasks are required to run a daily backup?

None! The actual backup process itself is fully automated. Once you have configured the time, frequency and list of files to be backed up into the client software, the actual backup will take place automatically on schedule. All you have to do is keep your PC turned on when you leave the office in the evening.

26. What tasks are required to run daily back up?

Once the time, frequency and list of files to be backed up are configured the actual back up will then take place automatically. All that is required is for the client to leave the PC turned on.

27. Why backup?

Most small businesses put their lives on the line every night and don't even realize it. With businesses depending more and more on the data stored in their computer, proper backups are becoming much more critical. Online backups accomplish several essential steps that are often overlooked or done improperly by other backup software - especially non-automated tape backup systems.