Online computer backup services are becoming more and more popular everyday. This rise in popularity is not surprising, because online backup has huge advantages. Backing up your computer online requires no technical skill, is automatic, and is 100% secure. It's also super cheap.   Here are seven reasons why you should be backing up your computer online:  

1.  Online computer backup is immune from natural disaster, fire, theft, or loss. Internet backup providers store your data in several different locations on different servers. They also keep backups of the backups.

2.  Files that are backed up online are always accessible. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can restore your lost files from any location. If you're currently backing up your computer to DVDs, CDs or other physical media, you have to gain access to that media in order to restore your files. Suppose you're at an important conference and your laptop is stolen. You would have to wait until you got home and found your DVD backup before you could restore your files.

3.  Reliability of online computer backup is another huge advantage. CDs and DVDs are susceptible to scratching, rendering them useless. Small portable flash drives can be easily lost or stepped on. 

4.  When you backup a computer online it's automatic and it provides real-time protection. Internet backup software runs in the background of your computer and is constantly updating and storing files. You don't have to think about it. It's truly a set-it-and-forget-it system.

5.  Online data storage is a totally secure. Modern online computer backup uses 128 bit encryption. This is the same encryption that your bank uses to secure your financial data. Your data is password protected and encrypted. In fact, not even the backup provider can view your data. It's encrypted from the moment it leaves your computer.

6.  Backup a computer online and you never have to worry about having difficulty restoring your files. Internet computer backup providers have it set up so that restoration is literally a one click process.

7.  The best advantage to online data storage is the price. How does free sound? Most online backup providers allow you to store up to 2 GB for free. On the other hand, if you would like unlimited storage capability, they charge less than $5 a month for unlimited computer backup.