SpiderOak - Online Data Backup & Sharing
Exploring Alternatives to Standard Cloud Storage: SpiderOak
Numerous applications cater to users prioritizing both online data storage and dependable local backups. While services like Dropbox are widely utilized, individuals with files residing outside their Dropbox folders, or those desiring more granular control, will find SpiderOak a compelling solution.
Key Features and Control
SpiderOak distinguishes itself by granting users comprehensive authority over their data. This includes precise control over which files are backed up, synchronized, and shared.
The platform provides extensive filtering capabilities, allowing users to selectively include or exclude files based on criteria such as file type, size, or age.
Installation and Account Setup
The installation process is remarkably simple and free from unwanted bundled software or third-party toolbars. The software itself requires approximately 18 MB of disk space.
To fully utilize SpiderOak, account creation is necessary. This allows users to access their backed-up files conveniently through the SpiderOak website.
This account access provides a secure portal for managing and retrieving data as needed.
Benefits of a Dedicated Backup Solution
- Complete Data Control: Users decide exactly what is backed up.
- Granular Filtering: Backups can be tailored by file type, size, and age.
- Clean Installation: No unwanted software is included.
- Secure Access: Files are accessible via a dedicated online account.
Safeguarding Your Information with SpiderOak
SpiderOak empowers users to designate specific folders for backup through the Backup tab within the desktop application. The default Basic view offers pre-defined options like Music, Movies, and Pictures.
For customized backup selections, accessing the Advanced button, located in the upper right corner, is key. This allows for the inclusion of any folder residing on your primary drive, as well as any connected external or network drives.
Selecting Backup Folders
Alongside the ability to choose individual folders, pre-selected options like Desktop and Documents remain available for convenient selection on the right-hand side.
Given SpiderOak’s provision of 2GB of complimentary storage, a storage bar at the bottom of the screen provides a preview of each folder’s space requirement. This bar turns red if your selections surpass the 2GB limit, aiding in informed folder choices.
Initiating and Scheduling Backups
Upon completing your folder selection, clicking the Save button initiates the backup process. SpiderOak diligently tracks alterations to existing files and incorporates new files into the backup.
Backup schedules can be adjusted by navigating to the Preferences section and then selecting the Schedule tab.
Refining Backup Control
Further control over backed-up files is available within the Backup tab. Here, you can establish criteria to exclude files based on their size or age.
Data Archiving Practices
Should you choose to deselect specific folders within the Backup tab, any subsequent modifications made to those folders will no longer be included in your backup sets.
Despite this exclusion from future backups, the contents of these folders will continue to be preserved within your SpiderOak account as an archive.
Storage Considerations
It's important to note that these archived folders will still consume a portion of your allocated 2GB storage space.
To free up storage, you can remove these archived folders via the View tab.
This archiving functionality proves particularly useful for users who need to retain access to infrequently used, yet critical, folders.
- Archived folders are not actively backed up.
- They remain accessible within your SpiderOak account.
- They contribute to your overall storage usage.
Effectively, this system allows for a tiered approach to data management, distinguishing between actively backed-up data and long-term archived information.
Folder Synchronization Across Multiple Devices
SpiderOak distinguishes itself from typical syncing tools such as Dropbox by offering the capability to synchronize any folder on your system. However, this functionality is contingent upon the folders being included within your existing SpiderOak backup.
Precise Folder Selection
A key feature is the granular control it provides over which folders are synchronized. For instance, you can selectively synchronize data between an external hard drive and the internal storage of your computer.
Initiating a new synchronization is straightforward. Navigate to the Sync tab, assign a descriptive name to the sync job, and then carefully choose the folders you wish to synchronize. The process is completed with a single action.
SpiderOak provides a flexible approach to data synchronization, allowing users to tailor the process to their specific needs.
Utilizing Password-Protected ShareRooms for Folder Sharing
ShareRooms offer a method for distributing access to designated folders with distinct groups of individuals. The initial step involves establishing a public login identifier, referred to as a ShareID within SpiderOak.
Creating a ShareRoom
Following ShareID creation, a name for the ShareRoom must be chosen. A RoomKey, functioning as the access password, is also required.
Finally, the specific folders intended for sharing are selected, completing the ShareRoom setup process.
Real-time Synchronization and Access
Any modifications implemented within the shared folders are immediately propagated to the ShareRooms.
These updates are also delivered to recipients through RSS feeds, ensuring they always have the latest versions.
Accessing ShareRooms
Guests can gain entry to the ShareRoom by utilizing the provided URL.
Alternatively, they can log in directly through the SpiderOak website, navigating to the Share Login section.
ShareID and RoomKey are essential components for secure access.
This system provides a convenient and secure way to collaborate and distribute files.
Accessing and Managing Your Backed-Up Information
Within the View tab, confirmation of which folders have been backed up and are being shared is readily available. Furthermore, prior iterations of your files can be inspected, identified by the numerical values enclosed in parentheses within the file names.
This section allows you to reclaim storage space on your SpiderOak account by removing archived or backed-up folders. Importantly, this action does not result in the deletion of those same folders from your local computer.
Understanding File Versioning
The numbering system associated with filenames indicates the availability of previous file versions. This feature enables restoration to earlier states if needed, providing a robust data recovery mechanism.
Managing Storage Space
Efficiently manage your allocated storage by removing unnecessary backups. The View tab provides a convenient interface for this purpose, ensuring optimal account utilization.
You can easily free up space without impacting your locally stored files. This selective removal process offers flexibility and control over your SpiderOak backup environment.
Accessing Your Files with SpiderOak
Files stored within SpiderOak can be downloaded through either the web interface, accessible after logging in, or directly from the desktop application.
Within the desktop client, navigate to the View tab. Select the desired folder, and then initiate the download process by clicking the Download button.
Utilizing the Merge Function
SpiderOak provides a useful Merge feature. This functionality is particularly helpful when you wish to avoid deleting existing folders during the download process. A demonstration of this feature can be viewed here.
Learning the Application
Due to the extensive range of features offered by SpiderOak, a slight adjustment period may be required.
To facilitate understanding, it is strongly suggested that users view SpiderOak’s video tutorials. These concise demonstrations offer a visual explanation of the procedures outlined above.
Share Your Experience
If you have experience with SpiderOak, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know if you find it a valuable tool compared to alternative data backup solutions.
Your feedback is appreciated!
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