Using Backblaze to backup their data is a choice many Mac users seem to go for. It’s very easy to use, but very efficient and powerful in what it does – keeping your data safe should the unthinkable happen. The ideal backup choice shouldn’t interfere with your computing time, whether you’re spending that time just surfing, or you’re a professional using your Mac for work. Backing up shouldn’t interfere with what you want to use your computer for, so it should run in the background without you even knowing it’s there, but confident that it is there when you need it most.
What Backblaze Offers
A full data backup. Aside from your Applications, OS, and temporary files, Backblaze backs up everything regardless of file size – there is no limit to what you can backup. If it’s on your Mac, and you have Backblaze, it’ll be backed up. Also, if you want something backed up that’s not on your hard drive, you can also backup and external hard drive via USB, Firewire, or Thunderbolt.
A secure backup. When Backblaze backs up your Mac it does so like this: your data is encrypted on your computer, it is then connected to the backup server via an encrypted conection, and it is then stored encrypted. If you want an additional layer of privacy, you can add your own password. When you sign up for Backblaze and create an account, a security key is automatically created that is unique to the account, and is used throughout Backblaze’s system to identify files that belong to you.
Continuous backup. One of the things that’s really irritating is when backing up interferes with computing time – time that is supposed to be fun or productive (or both!). Backblaze is set to backup all files by default, so you don’t have to remember to do so. However, if there are times during the day where your Mac is on but you’re not using it, you can schedule backups to occur during those times.
Choose Your Backup Speed. Most personal Internet connections will generally backup between 2-4GB of data p/day. If you choose to do so, you can select to use more or less of your Internet connection depending on your choice of backing up slower or quicker than the default.
Efficient Backup. There is no need for you to have backed up two versions of the same file. Backblaze will de-duplicate to backup a file just once. If you have large files included in the backup, it will be compressed, but should you need to restore the backup, the file as a whole will be restored. Additionally, if you have made multiple changes to a file, Backblaze will only backup the changes.
What Backblaze Doesn’t Backup
There are certain files that Backblaze won’t back up, and for good reason. Your hard drive, OS, and temporary files are transient files. This means that in case of a restoration, it’s unlikely that these files will be needed. Backblaze also does not backup podcasts in iTunes (since these can be restored natively through the program). There are also file-types that by default, Backblaze chooses not to backup. These file are:
- ISO (Disk Images)
- DMG (Mac Disk Image)
- VMC VHD VMSN (Virtual Drives)
- SYS (System Configuration & Drivers)
- EXE (Application Files).
You can turn these exclusions off if you choose to do so and they will be backed up.
What Does Backblaze Cost?
Backblaze costs as little as $5 p/month on a month-to-month basis and is auto deposited from your bank account. You can however save a little money by purchasing a year or two years subscription.
A one year subscription to Backblaze costs just $50. That works out at $4.17 p/month for one year.
A two year subscription to Backblaze costs $95. That works out at $3.96 a month for two years.
Why is Backblaze so Cheap?
Backblaze uses an efficient storage system that allows them to optimize how they store data. It’s an efficient model and is reliant on some users not using as much storage space as others.