CrashPlan

If you're someone who always forgets to backup your computer, then CrashPlan is the software you need. With this tool, you no longer have to press a button or burn CDs to archive your data. All you need to do is click on "start backup" and let CrashPlan do the work for you.

This software runs quietly in the background, which means it won't slow your computer down while it automatically protects your files. Out of the box, CrashPlan is set to backup all your documents to its data center, CrashPlan Central. You get a free 30-day trial of this service, and we'll ask you at the end of the trial if you want to continue using it.

While CrashPlan Central is a good option, backing up to another PC is even better. This way, you avoid monthly fees and get your data back quicker. Install CrashPlan on another computer like "My Old PC," and you'll have an additional destination to backup your data.

Don't have another computer? Invite a friend like Sarah to be your backup buddy. As long as Sarah installs CrashPlan, you can easily backup your important files to each other without any additional monthly fees. Allowing someone to backup to you is free, but you'll only have to pay if you're doing the backup.

With CrashPlan, you can manage how much space a friend gets, when to run a backup, or where their files are stored. If you're concerned about using too much space on your friend's computer, you can always buy a USB drive to store your data at their house.

One thing to keep in mind is that CrashPlan is free for personal use only. However, if you're looking for an efficient and easy-to-use backup software, then CrashPlan is definitely worth checking out.