MyPC Backup Review

Software Installation
The install process was one of the quickest we’ve seen. It took about three minutes. After about five clicks, the software was installed, configured, and backing up files. Thumbs-up to the developers for keeping the install short and clean.

When you first log in to the MyPC Backup website account area a series of steps guides you to the file download. There is even a small video that talks you through downloading the file. It was a little weird to a hear a voice start talking, but it was reassuring to have the install steps clearly described by a human voice.

After the install file was downloaded we double clicked it to begin. We were prompted to decide between backing up the “My Documents” folder or manually selecting files and folders. We opted to backup the “My Documents” folder. As soon as we clicked finished, it installed program’s files and began the initial backup.

File Backup
We were able to backup 1GB in about 5 hours on a cable internet connection without experiencing any problems.

A helpful feature is the progress bar which shows the amount uploaded and size of the pending files. This is a good feature, but it would be improved by adding a “Time Remaining” indicator. This would inform the user how long the backup is expected to take.

Viewing Backed Up Files
Once our backup was complete, it was time confirm our files were backed up correctly. In the MyPC Backup software interface, we clicked the “View My Files” button. Which took us to our files at MyPCBackup.com website in our browser. From here we were able to confirm that our data was backed up and in the same file structure.

We browsed through the files similar to way we do in Windows Explorer. Downloading individual files can be done through the browser. We felt the layout was clean and easy to navigate.

To access on your phone, use the phone’s browser and go to “mypcbackup.com” and login to your account. It’s not the most useful mobile app because it behaves the same as the website does on the computer. Most phone’s can not restore data directly, but you can save photos and play music and videos.

Restoring files
Restoring files was simple. There are two ways to restore files.
1. through the software
2. through the website

Restoring files through the software: While MyPC Backup is open, click the “Restore Files” button to open the restore files window. Use this window to navigate to the files or folders you need and click “Restore”. Figuring this out was not an issue.

Restoring files through the website using a web browser: In order to download files from online, you have to individually select each file to download. There does not appear to be a way to download whole folders at once. This makes restoring from the web cumbersome for bulk file restores. Other than that, this method is just as easy as using the software.

Different Versions or revisions of your files: Getting to older file versions is done by selecting the file and clicking “Versions” in either the software or the website. Versions are historical changes in files. Every time a change is made, a version is backed up. This feature allowed us to find a version of a file from three days previous to the newest file version. It retained the information from the earlier version of the file. This is helpful in restoring files that may have been overwritten or changed.

Advanced Backup Settings
MyPC Backup has streamlined the process by making most of the choices. There are a few advances options that can be set by the user. These include the backup schedule, file selection, max file size, file types and security settings.

Backup Schedule: This option is limited to hourly or daily. Many other backup companies allow you to set the time and day of the backup, but MyPCBackup can only be set to hourly or daily. In the future we would love to see a setting that allows us to set the backup start time. Additionally, it should be noted that there is an upgrade charge for hourly backups. Most home users will not need hourly backup, but you will have to pay for it if you do.

File Selection: There is a manual file selection option that allows for more control of the backup. Under “Settings” choose “Backup Selection” and you will be able to switch from automatic selection to user selection. This is helpful when you are backing up a specific set of files. The file selection is easy to use and operates very well.

Max File Size: Within the backup settings there is a max file upload file size. This restricts the upload of files over a given size. The software is set default to 2MB’s which will exclude most large photos and videos. If you decide to go with MyPC Backup, be sure to increase this limit or many of your large photos / videos / MP3s will not be backed up.

File Types: With this advanced option you can set to exclude any file types. By default most media file types have been blocked.  Again if you plan to use MyPC Backup be sure to check this advanced setting to ensure you are getting the backup you need.

Security Settings: This setting is pretty straight forward you can use either HTTP or HTTPS to transfer you data. The default setting is HTTPS and we recommend it remain on this setting.

Additional thoughts:
While using MyPC Backup, we noticed there were a lot of cool features and addons but they all came with additional costs.

For instance, when we tried to backup a second computer, it asked us to upgrade the account. We do think it’s nice that the upgrades are available, but some of the upgrades should be included free. One example is the upgrade from backing up daily to hourly. Hourly backups and more advanced scheduling options would be an improvement to the software and should not cost the customer more.

We recommend looking at all plan prices along with any needed upgrades, in order to get a more accurate comparison between backup companies.


Conclusion:

MyPC Backup is a great option for home PC backup or offices with just a few computers.  If you have a large corporate environment or have the need to stagger backup start times MyPC backup will not be the solution for you but chances are you are looking at more robust solutions.

The software is easy to install, with minimal decisions and just works. Which is the key factor for home users. There are some cool advanced upgrades but they are an additional cost.  Yeah, the additional charges are frustrating, but at least you are now aware. Like with any company, be sure to check out all addons costs when making company comparisons.

If you are looking for an online backup solution that is user friendly and backups up your files reliably consider My PC Backup.