Geeky Habitat

One thing that many people often do not consider for their home computers is a backup solution for all their data. At some time it is almost a known certainty that all of us will have a hard drive fail, a computer virus or some other occurrence that causes some level of data loss. I myself have had two such cases, one was a hard drive failure and the other was my own stupidity.

So as my first major geeky addition to GeekyHabitat I thought that I would do a tutorial on Installing MozyHome. MozyHome offers 2GB of free online data backup (or truly Unlimited backup for $4.95USD a month) with the following benefits:

• 128 bit SSL encryption for the file transfer (the same as what is used for major banks in credit card transactions)
• 448 bit Blowfish encryption for the files stored in the backup
• Fully automatic Backup Solution
• New and Changed File Detection
• Incremental Backups (only transfers changed files saving on backup time)
• Easy to Install
• 2 GB COMPLETLY FREE backup space (no credit card required to signup)

Tutorial Details:

Difficulty Classification (click image for details):

Target System: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and above

Topics Covered:

• Downloading MozyHome Free
• Installing MozyHome Free
• Running the initial configuration wizard
• Completing the first backup

Topics to be covered in Part 2:

• Overview of the Online Account Detail
• Modifying selection of files to be backed up
• Configuring advanced program options
• Restoring Files

Downloading MozyHome Free:

1. Click Here to go to the MozyHome Website

2. Click on “Learn More” under Home Users:

3. Under MozyHome Free click “Signup Now”:

4. Enter your details into the signup form then click Continue:

5. Enter your details into the survey then click Continue:

6. The signup process is completed:

7. Check your email, you will receive a confirmation email, you must click on the link in the email in order to activate your account:

8. Once you click on the confirmation link you will be presented with the following screen, click Download for Win:

9. On the File Download screen click Run:

10. If you see the following security warning, click Run again:

11. MozyHome is now downloaded. You can now proceed to Installation.

Installing MozyHome

1. When installation begins you will be presented with the following screen, click Next:

2. Read the Licence Agreement and *if you accept the terms* select the correct checkbox and click Next:

3. Accept the default installation location (or you may change if you require) then click Next:

4. Accept the default Start Menu group by clicking Next:

5. Click “Install” to proceed with installation:

6. Click “Finish” to complete the Installation and run the Configuration Wizard:

Running the Configuration Wizard:

1. When the configuration wizard begins you will see the following screen. Enter the email address and password you used when you signed up earlier then click next:

2. Mozy allows you to either have Mozy manage the encryption key for your data or allow you to manage your own. In this case select the Recommended option then click Next:

3. Depending on the programs you have installed on your computer, Mozy may have different backup sets (different collections of data on your computer) than what you see below. Select any backup sets that you would like to have backed up and click Next:

4. Due to the nature of Mozy, a broadband connection is required, Mozy will now perform a connection test to ensure you have sufficient bandwith for use. However most ADSL or broadband connections should be fine for backing up even if Mozy reports otherwise. Click Start Test:

5. Once the speed test has completed click Next:

6. On this screen you can select the balance you would like between a faster computer and quicker backups. Mozy recommends 3/4 Speed. If you have a brand new fast computer you should be able to move the slider all the way to the right without any issue. Otherwise slide this back to the left as required and click Next:

7. Accept the default selection of “I’d like to start my initial backup right now!” and click Finish. Mozy will then perform the initial backup. Depending on the amount of data you have selected and the speed of your connection the initial backup could take between several hours and several weeks. This is to be expected and subsequent backups will take only a *fraction* of the time. Click Finish:

8. You will see the following pop up in your taskbar. In case you wish to start a backup manually you can double click on the icon displayed and select “Start Backup”:

Overview

You have now completed the first tutorial. Keep an eye out here for Part 2 which will contain additional information to customise Mozy. Please leave a comment here and let me know if you found this tutorial useful or if you have any questions I will try to answer these also.

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