What is Automated Backup Software?

Automated backup software is a program that backs up computer files automatically with minimum or no intervention from users. 

Most backup applications today have this capability and almost all online data backup service providers can automate the remote backup process. 

Automated backup software takes the burden from you.  Although manual document and system backup is a lot simpler now, the task is tiring and most probably you will forget to backup your files until it is too late. 

With so many malicious wares and viruses floating on the Internet, computers today are more vulnerable to attacks which could lead to system crashes.  That is why you need to automatically backup your electronic data using automated backup software. 

Types of Automated Backup Software

There are different types of backup applications.  Most legacy backup applications are manually operated and usually allow users to transfer files only to standard backup devices and optical media. 

Latest versions of backup applications however can be fully automated.  This includes backup software that is pre-installed on your operating system. 

Locally installed application is the most typical type of automated backup software.  This is a standalone application which you can install on your local computer.  It will have a user interface where you can configure, schedule, and perform backup operations. 

Normally, local software that automates backup processes has built-in FTP that you can use to transfer files from your computer to an offsite remote data center.  This feature is usually enabled on commercial applications.  This means you will have to pay for a premium service in order to enable the FTP functionality of the local application. 

Online backup services also provide automated backup software.  Such application is included in the service package of the provider.  Online backup software has two flavors.  One type uses a local client and remotely connects to a web server.  The other flavor uses small scripts that detect your computer files.  This script will automatically create backup files and transmit them to a remote data center. 

Configuring the Automated Backup Software

You need to configure the automated backup software first before it could work.  In most applications, configuration and set up is the only time that you will intervene with the backup operation. 

Configuring any automated backup software is fairly simple.  You just have to specify which folders and open documents to backup.  You can assign regular incremental backup or full backup.  You should also set a regular schedule for the backup operations. 

After finishing the set up, you can now sit back and relax because the software will do the work for you.  The only time that your intervention will be needed is when an error or backup failure occurs. 

Usually, remote backup services will notify you via email if the automated backup software fails to perform the operation.  Local backup applications will issue a pop-up alert notifying you of the error. 

Data backup operation is similar to routine house chore.  It gets boring everyday so it is highly probable that you will forget to regularly backup your data.  This will not happen if you use automated backup software.  Because of this, your electronic data will always be secured and you can save yourself from lots of headaches due to data losses.