Are you tired of losing important data due to hardware or software failures? Do you want to ensure that your files are always safe and accessible? Then, you need a reliable NAS (Network-attached storage) backup software that can protect your data from loss and corruption. In this article, we will explore the best NAS backup software available on the market, their features, pros, and cons, and help you make an informed decision. Letโs dive in!
What is NAS Backup Software?
NAS backup software is a program designed to back up and restore data from network-attached storage (NAS) devices. NAS devices are specialized file servers that allow multiple users and devices to store and access files from a centralized location. They are commonly used in households and small businesses to share music, photos, videos, and documents among family members or colleagues. However, NAS devices are prone to failures, such as hard drive crashes, power outages, malware attacks, and human errors, which can result in data loss or corruption.
The role of NAS backup software is to make copies of the data stored on NAS devices and store them in a separate location, such as an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, or another NAS device. By doing so, NAS backup software can ensure that the data is safe and recoverable in case of a disaster. Additionally, NAS backup software can schedule automatic backups, monitor the integrity of the data, and provide incremental backups that only update the changed files, thus saving time and storage space.
Why Do You Need NAS Backup Software?
There are several reasons why you need NAS backup software to protect your data:
๐ Data loss prevention: NAS backup software can prevent data loss by creating redundant copies of the data and storing them in different media or locations. This way, if one copy fails, there are other copies that can be used to restore the data.
๐ Data corruption recovery: NAS backup software can recover data that has been corrupted due to malware, viruses, or other software problems. By using previous backups, it can replace the corrupted files with clean copies.
๐ Disaster recovery: NAS backup software can help you recover your data in case of a disaster, such as a fire, flood, or theft. By storing the backups in a remote location, such as a cloud storage service, you can access them from anywhere and restore your data quickly.
๐ Time and resource-saving: NAS backup software can save you time and resources by automating the backup process, reducing the need for manual intervention, and providing incremental backups that only update the changed files.
Top 5 Best NAS Backup Software
Software Name |
Price |
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acronis True Image |
$49.99 for one computer |
Full image backup, incremental backup, cloud backup, ransomware protection, disk cloning, data migration, easy-to-use interface |
Reliable, versatile, fast, secure, affordable |
No lifetime license, limited mobile support, occasional glitches |
Synology Active Backup |
Free for Synology NAS users |
Backup for multiple platforms, granular backup, flexible backup destinations, real-time sync, file versioning, deduplication, compression |
Professional-grade, comprehensive, customizable, efficient, free |
Only compatible with Synology NAS, complex configuration, requires technical knowledge |
FreeNAS |
Free, open-source |
ZFS-based storage, replication, encryption, compression, cloud backup, plugins |
Powerful, customizable, free, open-source, community support |
Requires technical knowledge, limited support, not user-friendly |
Backblaze |
$6 per computer per month or $60 per year |
Unlimited cloud backup, continuous backup, version history, restore by mail, two-factor authentication |
Simple, affordable, unlimited, secure, user-friendly |
Only cloud backup, limited configuration options, slow upload speed |
Carbonite Safe |
$6 per computer per month or $72 per year |
Cloud backup, external hard drive backup, automatic video backup, courier recovery service, mobile app |
Easy-to-use, versatile, mobile support, multiple backup options |
Only cloud backup for NAS, no file syncing, limited privacy options |
FAQs
1. How often should I back up my NAS?
You should back up your NAS regularly, preferably daily or weekly, depending on how often you update your data. By backing up your NAS frequently, you can minimize the risk of data loss or corruption.
2. Can I use NAS backup software with any type of NAS device?
No, NAS backup software is designed to work with specific types of NAS devices and operating systems. Therefore, you should check the compatibility of the NAS backup software with your NAS device before purchasing it.
3. Do I need to buy additional storage space for the backup?
Yes, you need to allocate additional storage space for the backup, either on an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. The amount of storage space depends on the size of your data and the frequency of backups.
4. Can NAS backup software protect my data from ransomware attacks?
Yes, some NAS backup software, such as Acronis True Image, come with ransomware protection that can detect and block ransomware attacks, and restore the affected files to their previous state.
5. Can NAS backup software restore individual files or folders?
Yes, NAS backup software can restore individual files or folders, either by selecting them manually or using a search function. This way, you can avoid restoring unnecessary files and save time.
6. Can I access the backups from a remote location?
Yes, if you store the backups in a cloud storage service, you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection, using your login credentials. Some NAS backup software, such as Synology Active Backup, also allow remote access to the backups.
7. What happens if the NAS backup software fails?
If the NAS backup software fails, you may lose access to the backups or corrupt the existing backups. Therefore, you should test the NAS backup software regularly and have a contingency plan in case of failures.
8. What is the difference between full backup and incremental backup?
A full backup is a complete copy of all the data on the NAS, while an incremental backup only copies the changes made since the last backup. Incremental backups are faster and require less storage space than full backups but may require more time to restore.
9. Can NAS backup software run in the background?
Yes, NAS backup software can run in the background, either as a service or a daemon, and monitor the changes on the NAS continuously. This way, it can perform backups automatically and minimize the impact on the system performance.
10. Does NAS backup software affect the speed of the NAS?
Yes, NAS backup software may affect the speed of the NAS, especially during backups or restores. Therefore, you should configure the backups to run at off-peak hours or reduce the bandwidth usage if necessary.
11. Can NAS backup software encrypt the backups?
Yes, NAS backup software can encrypt the backups with various encryption algorithms, such as AES or Blowfish, to protect the data from unauthorized access. However, you should keep the encryption key safe and secure, as losing it may render the backups useless.
12. Can NAS backup software monitor the health of the NAS?
Yes, some NAS backup software, such as Synology Active Backup, come with health monitoring features that can check the status of the hardware and software components of the NAS, such as the RAM, CPU, hard drives, and firmware updates. This way, you can detect and prevent potential failures before they happen.
13. Can I use NAS backup software for personal and business purposes?
Yes, NAS backup software can be used for both personal and business purposes, depending on the size and complexity of the network. Some NAS backup software, such as Carbonite Safe, offer different plans and pricing based on the number of computers and devices.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the best NAS backup software available, their features, pros, and cons, you can choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Remember to check the compatibility with your NAS device, allocate enough storage space for the backups, and test the backups regularly to ensure their integrity. By using NAS backup software, you can protect your data from loss and corruption, and have peace of mind. Donโt wait until itโs too late, protect your data today!
Try NAS backup software and keep your data safe!
If you want to keep your data safe from loss and corruption, then you need NAS backup software. Try one of the best NAS backup software available and enjoy the benefits of automated backups, ransomware protection, and disaster recovery. Donโt risk losing your precious memories, documents, and files, invest in NAS backup software today!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice or recommendation. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of the company. The author is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any damages arising from the use of the information provided in this article. Always consult a professional before making any decisions regarding your data and your network.