Using shared hosting account as a backup option

[manvbf]

I have been looking for an online backup service to backup my personal data (documents, photos, videos etc.) and so far having seen all the options, I think a shared hosting account with tons of space or Amazon S3 would fit in perfectly with my requirements (got at least 40gb data to be backed up and would increase even further).

Majority of the data would be uploaded once and would just sit there unless my computer crashes. It would be best if the host also performs weekly/monthly backups to ensure some form of redundancy.

Based on above requirement, which one (shared hosting or Amazon S3) do you think would fit in perfectly and would turn out to be cheaper in the long run, especially since I am looking for a service which is easy to use and preferably includes auto resume while uploading.

[electra]

Both shared hosting with tons of space and Amazon S3 could meet your requirements for backing up personal data such as documents, photos, and videos. However, there are some factors to consider in deciding which option would be perfect for you.

Shared Hosting:
- Shared hosting usually offers a large amount of storage space, which can be suitable for your 40GB data backup needs.
- It often includes weekly or monthly backups, providing redundancy for your data.
- Shared hosting is generally user-friendly and easy to use, making it convenient for uploading and managing your files.
- The cost of shared hosting can vary depending on the provider and package, but it may turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run compared to other options.

Amazon S3:
- Amazon S3 is a highly reliable cloud storage service that offers excellent durability and redundancy for your data.
- It provides auto-resume functionality, ensuring that your uploads can resume from where they left off if the connection is interrupted.
- Although Amazon S3 charges based on the amount of data stored and transferred, it can be cost-effective depending on your usage patterns and storage needs.
- Amazon S3 has a user-friendly interface and offers various tools and integrations to make managing your data easier.

Considering that both options fulfill your requirements, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If cost-effectiveness is a significant factor for you, shared hosting may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize advanced features, reliability, and scalability, Amazon S3 could be the more suitable option.





S3 is slower than molasseses, and most shared providers have policies against using the accounts for backups.

As for mozy, I heard they have a similar issue with transfer speeds. What good is the service if it takes 3 weeks to upload 2 GB of data. Anyone can offer unlimited storage if you can't get the data uploaded to use it.