ZipCloud Review http://onlinebackupsearch.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/300x225s/fe/24/16/zipcloud-300x225-98-1360923623.png

Installation:
Downloading and installing ZipCloud was a simple process. First we went to the website and created an account and logged in. There is a nice big button that says, “Download Now”. It could not be more clear.

On Windows: We downloaded the file and started the install process which was only one click. Does not get much easier. When the installation completes, ZipCloud launches. The first screen is called the “ZipCloud Setup Wizard”. Here you can select to backup your “My Documents” folder or manually select all files and folders.

We opted to manually select files and folders. This opened a window displaying the folders on the computer. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Once you click finish the first backup job automatically starts.

On Mac: We downloaded the packaged, then installed ZipCloud the way most Mac apps are installed. As soon as the installation completes, ZipCloud launches. The first screen is called the “ZipCloud Setup Wizard”. This either automatically selects the “Documents” folder or allows you to select manually.

We went for manual selection. This opened a window displaying the folders on the computer. Again the interface was clean and easy to navigate. After the selection is made, the backup starts. In this window the there is a progress bar that shows the overall percentage of files backing up and how many have already completed.

The install process is simple and too the point; immediately getting the backup started satisfies the need for backing up simply.

File Backup
The backup process is easy, fast, reliable and can run in the background. During our testing we did not experience any errors or backup job failures.

It is important to note that the file size for initial backup is limited to 2MB. We primarily have large images and movie files. The number of backed up files for the initial backup job was dramatically reduced. We saw the first backup complete in less than 20 minutes because it only backed up 53.48 MB’s.

This method of getting the smaller documents uploaded first is understandable. If you are like us, you want to increase the max file size so that ALL of your files are uploaded.

Backup Setting Configuration:
We found Zip Cloud to have quite a few excellent backup configuration options making it a very flexible application. It should be noted that the windows version has more scheduling options. The windows software has been around longer than the Mac software, so hopefully the Apple version will get all of the same options as Windows.

Here are the options for the different backup settings.

General:
Not much here except the ability to set the computer name and type. For Windows the computer option types are: PC, Laptop, Server, Other. For Mac the options are: Mac, Macbook, Server, and Other.

Backup Scheduler:
This will be the tab where you make the most changes. The windows software has just about every option you would want, the Mac software is more limited. We will go through both options.

For Windows you can set the backup schedule to Hourly (upgrade charge), Daily, Advanced Schedule or Manual. The advanced schedule option allows your to set the schedule to just about any crazy schedule you can think of. Additionally you can set the start time an backup pausing. This can be handy if you do not want backups to run during work hours.

For Mac you can set the backup schedule to Hourly (upgrade charge) and Daily. You do not have the ability to set the schedule to anything specific or even to a manual only option. Additionally you can not set the start time or pause the job during work hours.

We really like the functionality of the windows software, it has just about every backup feature you could want. We hope to see the Mac version brought up to the same standards as the Windows

Backup Selection:
Here you select the files and folders to be backed up. The settings here are the same on the Mac as they are on Windows. You can go for the default options of “My Documents” or Manually select all files or folders.

Beneath that is the area called, “File Size Limit”. In this section we are able to adjust how large of files can be backed up. It is set to 2MB’s for default. This is good for the initial backup, but it will skip the majority of the media files. We moved this to limit sizes over 300MB’s for the second backup then moved it to Unlimited for the rest of the backups after.

File Types:
This tab only exists in the Windows version. Here you place any file extensions that you would like to skip such as EXE / ISO / MPG / Etc. If you are on windows be sure to check this file so your are not skipping any important file types such as MP3 or MOV.

Authentication:
This tab allows you to update your username and password.

Security:
This tab allows you to set the level of security for the data transfer. It is the same on Windows and Mac. There is a choice to use “HTTPS” which is more secure and “HTTP” which is normal and can be hacked.

Power and CPU
This tab is Windows only and gives you the option to pause backups when on battery power and only run the job when the screen saver is on. Both are very helpful options if you are running backups during your work day.

Restoring Files
ZipCloud has 3 methods of restoring data
1. ZipCloud software
2. ZipCloud website
3. ZipCloud Mobile

1. SOFTWARE: Using the software is very straight forward and works the same on Windows and Mac. In the ZipCloud main app window, click “Restore Files”. This opens up a navigation window allowing you to select the files to be restored. Once the files are selected you are then prompted to select the location they should be restored to.

Finally you click “Restore Selected Files” and the files are immediately restored. After downloading the files will be inside of a folder called “ZipCloud Restore” resembling the same file structure as they were on the computer.

2. WEBSITE: Once at the ZipCloud website we clicked “View My Backed Up Files”. This directed us to the place that has the files. On the left column there is a box that lists the folders called, “Folder View”. Using the folder view we navigated through the files. On the left column there is a box called, “Browse Your Files Below”. This box shows the files within the folder that is selected on the left column. The movement between folders is smooth and very easy to use.

To restore a file, simply click on the file and a message will appear asking if you want to save the file. While a file is selected there is a small arrow to the right that drops down a box showing options for “Previous Versions”, “Download File” and “Delete”. Clicking “Previous Versions brings up a log of each time that file has been updated during a backup. Click “Preview” to view the file and download the version wanted.

There does not appear to be a way to download folders. This could slow down user who wants to download a whole folder by requiring them to download each individual file at a time.

3. MOBILE ACCESS: Using a phone with ZipCloud works pretty well. It uses a Mobile version of the website that has access files from the phone’s browser. In the phone’s browser go to ZipCloud.com and log-in. We were presented with a home screen that showed us some account details. We clicked “View Files” to look at our files. This interface uses the same tools available on the normal website. Saving the files to the phone will be limited to what kind of files the phone will recognize. Playing music, saving pictures and videos will work for the most users.

Our opinion of the restore process is that it works and would be improved with a few additional features such as Version history in the software and full folder downloads from the website. Overall the file restore experience is simple, clean and user friendly which wins major points..


Syncing:
ZipCloud automatically provides a “Sync Folder” when installation is complete. Any files added to this folder will automatically be uploaded to ZipCloud and downloaded to all computers attached to the ZipCloud account. ZipCloud chooses to separate the sync folder and the online backup utility which we think is smart.

The sync folder allows for 1GB of storage with upgrades of 5GB and 10GB available. The sync folder is navigable the same way the backed up folders and files are. It also has options to see “Previous versions”, “Download file”, “Rename” and “Delete”. “Rename” being an added option.

We think that 1GB of storage is some what small. Most companies offer 2GB to 5GB for free. Perhaps this amount will be increased in the future.

File Sharing:
We found sharing to be very easy. When on the Zipcloud website navigate to the folder to be shared. While the mouse is over the folder, there is an arrow that appears to the right. Click this arrow to see the option to share. A window will appear and type the email of the person that will receive the access to the folder. The recipient must also have an ZipCloud account. If they do not have an account they will be prompted to create a free one.

How sharing works from the recipients point of view:
1. They received the email about the shared folder
2. They clicked on the link then and are prompted to create a zipcloud account (if needed)
3. They log-in to ZipCloud and accept the shared folder.
4. They now have access to the contents of the shared folder.

Overall we think the sharing process is good but could use a little improvement. The way in which accessing the files works is consistent between users, but the files will only upload if the “Backup Now” button is pressed or the software backups automatically which it does daily. Other syncing services backup files and folders automatically as soon as they are added which is better. Given the choice between no sharing and basic sharing option we like the basic sharing. Perhaps ZipCloud will update the process in the future.


Support:
We found support to be pretty good. We did not have any issues that required much technical assistance, but there is no way to call them or chat with them live. They have a well documented knowledge base and FAQ section. The best way to get support is to email them through the “Help Center”. This creates a support ticket that will be worked with until resolved.



Conclusion:
ZipCloud is a great company because it combines the best of both worlds, online backup and cloud storage. We like how the sync folder works separately then as a part of the online backup. That being said they have the same functionality which provides a nice set of sharing featured.

We found the Windows software to have more options than the Mac versions and would like to see all Windows features implemented for the Mac. These features include a detailed scheduler, auto pause feature and file type exclusion.

We would also like to see upgrades such as additional folder sync storage and hourly backup be included for free, or at least provide significant improvements. At this time, some of the upgrades only bring the product up to the standards of other competitors which offer these same features for free.

ZipCloud works great for home users with multiple computers looking for online backup and cloud storage. With the addition of the sync folder, ZipCloud is ahead of the competition. We think this is a good product that will only get better.